Open Studio Art School is run by Ed Saye and Dina Varpahovsky.

Ed and Dina met while studying at Central Saint Martins School of Art.

Ed went on to complete his MFA at the Slade in 2009 and has since maintained a studio practice, initially in London and more recently in Hampshire, while exhibiting regularly in the UK and abroad. He is an Associate Artist with Chapel Arts Studios in Andover. Ed is an experienced tutor having tutored adults and children at Queensgate Studios in Kensington and privately. He has also previously run art classes for adults at The Nutshell in Winchester.

Dina completed her BA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and her MA at City & Guilds Art School, London. She is currently working towards a PhD at SOAS.

Both artists practise contemporary figurative painting, predominantly in oil. Dina has also made textile works involving stitchwork derived from Japanese sashiko stitching, work which ultimately led to her PhD studies.

our approach

At OSAS we wanted to create a studio where pretty much anyone can come to build their skills and confidence and enjoy making art in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Two core beliefs underpin our approach: strong foundations in core skills build confidence and lead to creative freedom; a positive attitude to lifelong learning.

Secondary to that, but also important, is enjoyment, which is why we have created a light, comfortable and inspiring studio space where we offer bespoke tuition within a group setting - your journey, at your pace, guided by us. It’s our idea of serious fun!