Oil Painting - Beginners

Course intent

Learn the skills and techniques of oil painting. Experiment with different subject matter and ways of working so that you find your own personal style in your painting.

What will we cover?

You will learn and practice:

• Colour theory and colour mixing
• Which surfaces and mixing mediums to use
• How to build up an oil painting in layers
• Good brushwork and brush techniques
• How to create an effective composition
• About the tools and the materials you are using
• How to develop your style & confidence by expressing yourself through your painting

  Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

  This course is for beginners to oil painting and for those who have done one of our one-day workshops. This course is for those who can draw but now want to paint in oil.

  What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

  For the first lesson you need to bring:

• Basic set of oil paints
• Oil painting brushes - stiff bristle such as hog bristle. size 6 and 12 ‘round’ (Softer synthetic brushes used for watercolour or acrylic are not suitable)
• Palette or pad of paper specifically designed for oil painting
• Drawing pencil
• A plastic bag or cling film to take your dirty brushes home to clean in white spirt or turps
• Wear clothes that you would not mind getting paint on, perhaps an apron
• A box of thin charcoal sticks
• A sketchbook (A4) for taking notes and sketching out ideas.

You will need to get more brushes and paints as the course continues but the tutor will advise in the first session.

What can I do when I finish the course?

There are many opportunities to progress by taking up other art & craft classes, including further oil painting classes in the spring term. Saturday workshops can also provide progression if you want more practise and experience of drawing and painting from observation, with Saturdays including Life & Portrait, Acrylic Painting & other Drawing & Painting courses

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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