AUTUMN 2026 · ONLINE ART COURSE
Follow a Structured Portrait Course from Home
Join artist and tutor Ed Cooper for a guided programme of portrait drawing and painting lessons, practical exercises and supporting resources—designed for people who want the structure of a weekly art class with the freedom to learn from home.
- New lessons from September
- Learn in your own time
- Beginners and developing artists welcome
More Than a Collection of Art Videos
There is no shortage of art instruction online. The harder part is knowing where to begin, what to practise and how one lesson connects to the next.
The Ed Cooper Online Studio gives you the structure of a weekly art class while allowing you to work from home and learn at your own pace.
Rather than jumping between unrelated tutorials, you will follow a clear portrait programme with demonstrations, exercises, reference material and practical guidance arranged in a purposeful sequence.
Clear Weekly Progression
Follow lessons and exercises in an order designed to build your understanding step by step
Learn in Your Own Time
Pause, revisit and repeat demonstrations whenever you need to, without falling behind.
Practical Course Resources
Use guided exercises, handouts and reference images alongside each video lesson.
Optional Personal Support
Choose Guided Studio for monthly live Zoom teaching, feedback on your work and help deciding what to practise next.
The aim is to help you develop a consistent, purposeful art practice rather than simply watch more videos.
A Structured Approach to Portrait Drawing and Painting
This 12-week course will break the subject into a series of practical exercises, demonstrations and longer studies, helping students build their understanding step by step.
Some of the exercises will draw on ideas from Steve Forster’s book Painting Luminous Portraits for Artists, used with the author’s permission.
We will not simply copy finished examples. I will show students how to study from a high-quality instructional book: how to understand the purpose of an exercise, practise it carefully, and then apply the lesson to their own drawings and paintings.
What You Will Learn
Understand the Structure of the Head
Learn how the main forms and planes of the head fit together, and how this underlying structure helps with proportion and likeness.
Develop Tone and Form
Explore how light and shade describe the three-dimensional form of the face through drawing, monochrome studies and painting exercises.
Mix Colour with Greater Confidence
Study warm and cool colour relationships and learn how to mix varied, convincing skin tones without relying on a fixed formula.
Apply the Lessons to Your Own Work
Move from focused exercises into longer portraits, using carefully selected reference material and developing a more sustained portrait painting.
Designed for Artists Who Need Structure and Flexibility
The Ed Cooper Online Studio is designed for people who want to make real progress in their art but cannot easily attend a regular face-to-face class.
You may live too far away, have an unpredictable schedule, be returning to art after a long break, or simply want a clearer path through the amount of art instruction available online.
You Cannot Attend a Weekly Class
Follow the same broad portrait programme from home, wherever you live
You Need a Clear Direction
Work through one connected course instead of moving between unrelated videos and exercises.
You Want to Learn at Your Own Pace
Pause, repeat and revisit lessons whenever you need to, without worrying about falling behind.
You Want to Build a Regular Practice
Use the weekly structure, exercises and supporting resources to create momentum and keep working consistently.
The course is suitable for beginners, returning artists and developing painters. You do not need previous portrait experience, and you can work through the material at a pace that fits around your life.
Membership Options
Choose the level that suits you—from free studio updates to the complete Course Companion or more individual support through Guided Studio.
Join Free Before the Course Begins
The full portrait programme begins in September 2026.
During August, join the Online Studio for free to receive course updates, see introductory material and be notified when the first portrait lessons are released.
There is no need to begin a paid membership before the course starts. From September, choose Course Companion for the full programme, or Guided Studio for additional feedback and live monthly support.
Free Member
Keep in Touch
A simple way to stay connected with my classes, courses and Online Studio.
Free members receive:
- Studio and course updates
- Selected posts and announcements
- Occasional drawing and painting resources
- News about upcoming lessons and events
Free
Course Companion
Follow the Course from Home
A structured programme of step-by-step lessons for artists who want clearer direction and more purposeful practice.
Course Companion includes:
- Weekly video lessons introducing the key ideas
- Drawing and painting demonstrations
- Clear explanations of important principles
- Downloadable handouts and reference images
- Practical exercises to complete at home
- Access to previous lessons for review and catch-up
Follow the full course independently from home, revisit demonstrations, or use the resources alongside one of my Suffolk art classes.
Students attending one of my 12-week Suffolk art courses receive four months of Course Companion access as part of their course fee.
£20 per month
- Guided Studio
Personal Guidance and Group Support
For students who want greater direction, portfolio feedback and support in shaping their own individual practice.
Guided Studio includes everything available through Course Companion, plus:
- One monthly two-hour live Zoom session, held on the first Thursday of each month from 7–9pm
- Small-group teaching, discussion and questions
- Feedback on submitted work
- Help identifying what to practise next
- A clear practice focus for the month ahead
- Access to the recording if you cannot attend live
This level is designed to help you move beyond simply watching lessons and develop a more focused, consistent and personal art practice.
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£120 per month
Meet Ed
Artist, teacher, and lifelong learner
I’m Ed Cooper, a professional artist and art teacher based in Suffolk. Since 2009, I have helped adults of all abilities develop their drawing and painting through clear demonstrations, practical exercises, and individual guidance.
I believe artistic skill grows through good teaching and regular practice. My aim is to create friendly, structured classes where students can build confidence, understand the fundamentals, and make steady progress.
FAQ
When do the Online Studio lessons begin?
The first full Online Studio course begins in September 2026. You can join Patreon now to receive updates and become part of the studio before the lessons are released.
Do I need to attend one of Ed’s in-person classes?
No. Course Companion members can follow the complete programme independently from home. The material also supports students attending my Suffolk classes.
Do I need previous drawing or painting experience?
No. The lessons are structured to help beginners build strong foundations, while also giving more experienced students a focused way to strengthen their skills
What materials will I need?
Each course includes clear information about the materials required. I aim to keep the equipment practical and accessible, and you will not need to buy everything at once. There are often variations or extras required depending on the subject but you can see my materials suggestions here:
Materials list
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. Patreon memberships can be changed or cancelled through your Patreon account.
Bring the Structure of an Art Class into Your Home
Follow a purposeful portrait programme, develop your skills week by week and stop wondering what you should practise next.
Course Companion provides the complete programme of lessons, demonstrations, exercises and supporting resources. Choose Guided Studio when you would also benefit from feedback and live monthly support.