ROBERT MOUTREY

OIL PAINTER

London
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Figure Painting Thursdays

Hosted Studio Practice (Not teaching)

  • Thursdays — Weekly Figure Painting (from life)
  • 19:00–22:00 (3 hours) · ~2 hours of posed time
  • £20/week. Book as a 10-week block. No drop-ins.
  • Limited to ~10 places per evening

Select your block:

One place per person per block. Book multiple days/blocks if you wish.

10-week consecutive block. No credits or refunds for missed sessions.

Is this for you?

Beginners are welcome — but this isn’t a class.

You won’t be taught or demo’d. Instead, you’ll get a clear pose structure, a reliable model, and a calm room to practise painting from life.

If you’re new to oil painting, week 1 usually looks like this:

  • You keep your setup simple (one surface, a few brushes, a limited set of colours).
  • You follow the timers and treat the short poses as quick “tests” — just enough to place the figure, check proportions, and make a few decisions.
  • The longer poses give you time to slow down, mix properly, and respond to what you’re actually seeing.
  • You’ll leave with several small studies and one more developed painting (or a couple of partial starts you can build on over the block).

If you’d like a short 1–1 introduction to oil paint before your first session, email Robert at info@robertmoutrey.com 

If you’re experienced, people use it for:

  • Keeping a consistent weekly rhythm
  • Building a body of figure studies quickly
  • Testing palette choices, paint handling, and composition without pressure
  • Getting sustained looking time in a non-taught environment

Weekly figure painting thursdays is a 10-week, commitment-based studio practice for artists who want structured time painting from a professional life model. On Thursdays the focus is clothed full-figure painting. One long set-up keeps you on the whole body, the silhouette, and the logic of drapery.

Arrive, set up, and get your palette moving. Paint from a sustained pose, take short comfort breaks, then pack down at the end. This runs as hosted studio practice, not teaching. You won’t get demos, exercises, or group critique. You do get a reliable room, a clear structure, and the habit of returning each week.

The long hold lets you work with intention instead of chasing constant changes. Start by placing the figure cleanly. Then pick your priority for the night: big shape, value design, colour relationships, or the structure of folds. You can push one study from start to finish. Or treat the session as a lab for palettes, grounds, brushes, and surface handling.

Bring your own materials. The studio provides the model and a set-up. You choose your kit and your pace. You can work alla prima or build in stages.

Each week brings a different model, so the problem shifts while the format stays steady. Expect changes in height, stance, clothing weight, and gesture. You’ll also see how garments create rhythm, negative space, and a strong read from across the room. That focus helps you strengthen design as well as observation.

This session suits painters who want serious weekly mileage and feel comfortable working independently. It also suits artists who value a focused, respectful room. If you want step-by-step tuition, this won’t fit.

Session details: Thursdays 19:00–22:00 (3 hours), about 2 hours posed model time, £20. Weekly figure painting Thursdays is for artists who want dependable practice and full-figure paintings that hold together.

  • Format: Structured studio practice (hosted, not teaching).
  • Session length: 3 hours (evening slot).
  • Model time: ~2 hours of posed time within the session (allowing for breaks + reset).
  • Model continuity: Different model every week.
  • Pose structure: One long set-up held across the session (clothed), with timed painting blocks and short breaks for model comfort (no frequent pose changes).

Each week follows the same shape: one long set-up → short breaks → return to the same set-up.

Timings are approximate and may flex for model comfort. Over the block you’ll get a rotating mix of:

  • Set-up time (a few minutes at the start to establish the pose, lighting, and sightlines)
  • Sustained painting blocks (typically 1–2 blocks of 40–50 minutes with short breaks)

The structure is designed to give you enough continuity to properly develop a portrait — while still protecting the model with regular breaks.

Included

  • Professional life model + hosted, timed session structure
  • Basic studio set-up: space, chairs/stools, and a limited number of easels (11)/boards  (12) – first come, first served

Not included

  • Paper / sketchbooks / drawing media
  • Paint, brushes, palettes, mediums, solvents, rags
  • Any specialist equipment (mahl stick, wet panel carrier, etc.)

Bring (drawing)

  • Paper or sketchbook (A3/A2 works well) + board if using loose sheets
  • Charcoal / graphite / conté, eraser, sharpener/knife
  • Clips/tape
  • Optional: fixative (use outdoors only), apron, wipes/rags

Bring (painting)

  • Paints + brushes, palette + palette knife
  • Support (panel/canvas) + any clips/adaptors you need
  • Mediums you use
  • Rags/kitchen roll + a bin bag for waste
  • If using solvent: bring a sealed container and keep it minimal/low-odour

Storage policy

Please take all materials and work home each session — we don’t offer storage between weeks. If you’re taking wet work, bring a wet-panel carrier/box or suitable packaging.

A respectful room, run professionally

  • No photography or filming at any time.
  • Punctual start: posing begins at the advertised time — please arrive early enough to set up.
  • Respect the model and each other: no comments on bodies, no intrusive behaviour, and no touching.
  • Shared space: keep your footprint compact and leave walkways clear.
  • Materials: bring what you need — assume consumables aren’t provided.

Booking terms

  • Sold as a 10-week consecutive block.
  • Missed sessions aren’t credited or refunded.

Location & arrival

  • Area: Leyton, Lea Bridge Station
  • Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to set up. Entry is via [front door / side gate].
  • Access note: We’ll send access info upon confirmation of your booking.

Access

  • Stairs / lift:Two flights of stairs, no lift
  • Step-free access: No — This is an old industrial building.

On-site facilities

  • Toilets: We have clean toilets with multiple cubicles.
  • Seating: Stools/chairs provided — limited numbers.
  • Water: Available for washing brushes / limited sink access. Please bring drinking water. This is an older building and the sinks are not suitable for drinking (there are signs saying “not drinking water”).

Space & set-up

  • One spot per person: one easel/board position per attendee.
  • Limited room to spread out: please keep bags and cases under your easel/table and walkways clear.

Ventilation & solvents (especially for painting sessions)

  • The room is ventilated, but please keep solvents minimal and in sealed containers.
  • Prefer low-odour options where possible.
  • No open jars of solvent left on the floor; cap everything when not in use.

The Studio

We are a 7 minute walk away from Lea Bridge Station. Our studio is situated with an Argall Industrial Estate. Please call or message ahead of arrival to ensure there is someone there to greet you.

Address

  • Unit 10B Leyton Studios, 15 Argall Avenue, London, E10 7QE.
Studio Guildines ⟶

Reserve Your Place

Figure Painting Thursdays

Hosted Studio Practice (Not teaching)

  • Thursdays — Weekly Figure Painting (from life)
  • 19:00–22:00 (3 hours) · ~2 hours of posed time
  • £20/week. Book as a 10-week block. No drop-ins.
  • Limited to ~10 places per evening

Select your block:

One place per person per block. Book multiple days/blocks if you wish.

10-week consecutive block. No credits or refunds for missed sessions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did we miss something?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

To make an enquiry, you can contact me directly via email or through the contact form above. Please provide details about the type of portrait you are interested in, such as the subject, size, and any specific requirements or preferences you have in mind.
Yes, I am delighted to accept international commissions. We’ll collaborate to discuss the logistics of making it happen, including arranging for reference materials, consultations, and delivery. Shipping fees and any additional costs, such as customs duties, will be negotiated during the process to ensure a seamless experience. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out, and we can explore the possibilities together.
The time it takes to complete a portrait depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the piece. Generally, it takes between 4 to 12 weeks from the initial consultation to the finished painting. Additional time may be needed for the painting to dry fully before varnishing and delivery, this can take up to 12 months.
Yes, I can work from high-quality photographs. This option is convenient for clients who may not be able to sit for live sessions. If you choose this option, please provide clear and detailed photographs that accurately represent the subject. I can also take my own reference photos if preferred.
Yes, I offer live sittings for clients who prefer this traditional method. Typically, a live sitting involves one or more sessions where the subject poses for the portrait. This approach can add a unique depth and vitality to the painting.
The cost of commissioning a portrait varies depending on factors such as the size, complexity, and medium of the painting. I offer different pricing tiers to accommodate various budgets and preferences. For a detailed quote, please contact me with your specific requirements.
Yes. I travel free of charge within London. For portraits outside of London but within a 25-mile radius of my studio, I charge a travel fee. Beyond that radius, I also charge for accommodation where necessary. While I prefer to work from my studio—where I can control the light and environment—I understand that location can often play a powerful role in telling someone’s story. I’m happy to discuss what works best for your portrait.
When commissioning a portrait, consider factors such as the size of the painting, the setting or background, the subject’s pose and expression, and whether you want the portrait to be realistic or have a more stylized approach. Discussing these details during the initial consultation helps ensure the final piece meets your expectations.

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