Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

do any of you know of a place that would do this sort of thing?

I've done a bit of searching, but can't find anything really. I've been given some money, a grant, to do some courses. As I don't really need a course in anything for my new career, I was thinking of using this for some painting improvement, as I could do some commission painting on the side (this is how I'd sell the course to the people holding the purse strings).

Am I naive in thinking there will be somewhere that will do this sort of thing?

There are a few.

John Harrison (DarkMessiah) runs the Weekend Workshop sessions, which take place around the country fairly regularly - these are a good place to pick up some tricks, and are probably the most well-known.

Tommie Soule (Golem) occasionally does weekend courses and lessons at their studio in Manchester. Those are also very well regarded, and Tommie is a top-tier painter with a wealth of experience to share. If you were to approach them with a request for lessons they could probably accomodate you, but bear in mind they're a busy commission studio.

It does very much depend on your current skill level and what in particular you want to learn, as well as where you are and what you can get to.