Our Philosophy

Hugo Grenville is a painter with a distinct vision, working in the Romantic tradition, and is recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as a Colourist. This informs and influences the content and structure of all his teaching. Inspired by the great history of western painting, his knowledge of the philosophies, techniques and struggles of the great masters of the past has helped him to resolve and shape his own development. This remains fundamental to both his paintings and his teaching.

Hugo encourages his students to embrace and adapt this knowledge so that they can move forward as painters in their own style. Students are taught to broaden their powers of interpretation and visual expression through engaging with the subject matter both emotionally and intellectually. The combination of thorough practical advice embedded in a deep and thoughtful approach gives students the confidence to develop their own ideas, to experiment with how to express them, and to grow as painters.

In its twelve years of existence, Studio Hugo Grenville has taught a wide range of ages and backgrounds. From Suffolk to London and back again (see venue information), the summer school programme has attracted a rich diversity of students – from recent graduates to people at the height of a successful career, from teenagers to octogenarians. A remarkably high proportion of the students return each year. The courses are designed to attract enthusiastic and open minded painters and they embrace every imaginable level of ability. Painters that advance most on each course are the ones that take the greatest risks. An open mind and the courage to embrace change will help each student to make progress and paint successfully. Good painting is essentially an expression of feeling, and students who are bold enough to attempt to unearth the core of the subject are often overjoyed by the strength of their work.