Drawing & Painting Classes in Glasgow Beginners to Advanced
Taught by award-winning artist Sarmed Mirza
(John Moores Painting Prize shortlisted, Paisley Art Institute award-winner, member of PAI, SSA and VAS).
READY to learn to draw & paint?
🎨 Small studio classes in Whiteinch, Glasgow (max 6–8 students)
✏️ Drawing, acrylics, oils, portraiture
🖼️ Beginners, improvers, and advanced welcome
GO FROM ZERO TO ADVANCED
What You’ll Learn
- Drawing 101 – Build strong foundations: light, shade, proportions, portraits, or Bargue studies.
- Advanced Drawing – Complex projects, realism, portraiture, or Bargue plate studies.
- Painting 101 – Learn brushwork, colour mixing, composition in acrylics or oils.
- Intermediate & Advanced Painting – Push your skills further, explore glazing, impasto, chiaroscuro, or personal projects.
- 6-Week Portrait Course – Complete a lifelike graphite portrait step by step
Beginner to advanced drawing & painting lessons
STUDIO
I hope you will find my studio to be a welcoming space where you can escape daily life and focus on your projects, whether you're looking for in-depth lessons or just a relaxing environment to create.
You can choose to work independently, with artistic advice and critique readily available whenever you need it, while enjoying art chat and an unlimited supply of tea, coffee, and biscuits.
My studio is located in Whiteinch, South Street, Glasgow. A comfortable, creative space with all the tools you need to start your artistic journey.
A reference library. I have a collection of art books that you're welcome to browse and use for inspiration while you're here.
What I Offer
Tailored lessons to your skill level and artistic goals.
- Guidance on choosing references, materials, and setting up projects.
- Master techniques in graphite, charcoal, and oil/acrylic painting.
- Learn about composition, values, proportions, rendering, and creating finished work you're proud of.
- Help you to achieve Excellence & Craftspersonship
I will work with you to define and achieve your artistic goals, providing personalised feedback to help you progress.
I am a practicing artist and love discussing the context and history of art, so there's always an opportunity for deeper conversations e.g. the story behind your work and how it connects to the wider art world
Prices
Group Classes (6–8 students)
- Single session (1 hr): £28
- Block of 4 (4 hrs): £110
- Block of 8 (8 hrs): £210
One-to-One
- Single session (1 hr): £35
- Block of 4 (4 hrs): £135
- Block of 8 (8 hrs): £250
Special Course
- 6-Week Portraiture Course (2 hrs each): £250 early bird
My Why
I am an award-winning Glasgow artist, with work shown in the Scottish Portrait Awards and the Scottish Prize for Fine Art, and in 2025 I was shortlisted for the John Moores Painting Prize.
I am also a member of the Paisley Art Institute, the Society of Scottish Artists, and Visual Arts Scotland.
My teaching blends technique with mindfulness. Students don’t just learn how to draw or paint — they learn how to see. Many discover details in the world they’ve never noticed before, and that shift enriches both their artwork and their daily lives.
With small classes and personal guidance, I aim to create a welcoming space where learning is a shared journey — one that deepens both your creativity and my own practice as an artist.
YOUR WHY
Crack the code
If you’ve tried painting or drawing before but found it frustrating, there’s a better way. With the right approach, you’ll gain the skills to make art more enjoyable and rewarding. Overcome the challenges that have held you back and discover how satisfying creating can be.
Explore a new hobby
Pick up drawing for fun, relaxation, or as a creative workout for the mind.
Boost coursework skills
Whether you’re preparing for, or already studying, an art course, these classes give you a solid grounding in essential drawing and painting skills.
Serious artistic pursuit
Take your art further: refine techniques, complete projects, and deepen your practice with personalised guidance.
Create meaningful gifts
From portraits of loved ones to drawings of pets, you can make unique, heartfelt artworks to share with others.
Gift a class
Give someone a creative experience they’ll remember. A class makes a thoughtful, personal gift that lets them create something they’ll be proud of.
can anyone learn to draw and paint
Let’s get this out of the way. Although I have been creative all my life, I only learned to draw later on, and that is how I know anyone with ordinary faculties can do it. Over time I have developed simple techniques that help people learn quickly, and I offer them to you.
I have guided many students who once thought they could not even draw a straight line. The truth is you will never know what you are capable of until you try. A good teacher can remove the uncertainty and help you progress faster, and that is exactly what I aim to do.
“But I can’t draw, I’ve tried…”
If this feels true for you, do not worry. I have an exercise that will show you anyone can learn to draw. With practice, even complete beginners surprise themselves. And remember, there are artists who create without hands or feet. If they can do it, so can you.
PRICES
ONE TO ONE
One on one class (1 hour) £35
Block of 4 classes (4 hrs) £135
Block of 8 classes (8 hrs) £250
If you want total attention and a focused session with me then one to one classes are for you. We can dedicate the studio space and time to your development.
I can help you create your own path and syllabus to achieve your goals whether it is to create your first masterpiece or add to a body of work.
GROUP Classes 6-8 students
1 Class of 1 hour £28
Block of 4 classes (4 hrs) £110
Block of 8 classes (8 hrs) £210
Group classes are designed for you to work on your projects alongside other students sharing the space.
I will provide guidance and attention to each participant throughout the
session.
Each session at my studio can accommodate up to 6-8 people.
6 Week portraiture course (in person)
Struggling to capture likness and depth in your portraits?
Many artists find proportions and values challenging, often leading to frustration.
In this Graphite Portrait Course, you'll gain step-by-step guidance to overcome these hurdles, bringing lifelike expression and confidence into your work.
Learn how to 'see' and draw from Sarmed Mirza, a Scottish Portrait Award finalist artist.
Even if you have never drawn before you will complete a portrait from a photograph while learning the fundamentals of drawing.
Early bird price of £250 ̶£̶2̶8̶5̶
What's next
Book a class and try it out.
Drop me a message in case of any questions.
I will help you with finding an artistic project or direction, day/time that works for both of us and a plan to get you started.
Kettle is boiling, biscuits, paints and pencils are waiting.
Let's begin.
Interested in Booking a Class?
Feel free to message me with your specific needs, whether you’re looking for a one-to-one session or a group class. Once we’ve discussed the details, you can confirm your booking and make the payment using the link here.
Accessibility and allergies: The studio is on the first floor without a lift in the building. Apologies for any inconvenience. There is free car parking. Please also advise of any food or any other types of allergies you may have. We use oil and acrylic paints, mediums, and possibly solvents.
"Painting and drawing without expectations was a mind-blowing thing. When I’ve done art before I’ve put pressure on myself. It felt like a relief, like I was capable of just doing something. It was like a burden had been lifted off me."
I didn’t know how to draw someone before the workshops. But the way Sarmed taught us instantly made us so interesting. When I came home after that first workshop I kept drawing and drawing. At first I couldn’t really do it, but now I am drawing very well. I can now draw so close to how someone looks.
FAQs
Refund policy
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the class.
Cancellations made within 48 hours are non-refundable, but you’ll have the option to apply the amount towards a future class.
Do you offer online (zoom) classes?
ONLINE ZOOM CLASSES
They will be offered in the near future. Sign up to the newsletter or drop me a message HERE to register interest and to be notified when they are announced.
