Introduction to oil painting
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Course Code: VM879
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This is an enjoyable & interesting introduction to oil painting for complete beginners We will learn about laying out a palette, the use of different mediums and simple colour mixing. We will explore the effects of a range of paint handling techniques such as impasto and glazing.
What will we cover?
You will learn how to organise a palette and mix colours using oil paint.
We will cover the process of painting in layers and developing colour. We will relate oil painting techniques to the work of artists. Topics covered are: oil paint,oil painting mediums, tone, colour and process.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand how to lay out a palette
- Mix colours using basic colour theory
- Use 3 painting techniques such as glazing, scumbling and wet on wet.
-Gain a basic introduction painting an observed subject in oils.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for beginners and for those who want to learn to use oil paint from scratch. Some drawing experience is always helpful but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical work, individual and group tutoring, group discussion, demonstrations, artists’ images and handouts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring:
- rags or kitchen roll
- old clothes.
Oil paint and all other materials for the course are supplied.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to progress onto Painting 1 which leads to Painting 2 or to attend our Saturday school module 'Complete painting course part 1 and 2'. These courses prepare you for the technical approaches necessary for oil painting. We would recommend you attend all three courses to build your skills and understanding.
Alex Hanna is an artist (painter) based in East London. His practice examines perception and the materiality of paint. He works from arrangements of objects and uses analogue and digital means as source material, whilst employing visual data to inform his creative outcomes. Many of his paintings are carried out from direct observation and within a shallow space. In 2015 he was visiting artist at the University of Leeds and has delivered workshops and a pod cast on ‘Paint Alchemy’. He has exhibited at a number of galleries including: The Discerning Eye, The Royal Academy, Marmite Prize, Salon Art Prize, Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the B.P. Portrait Award. He has works in several British and International collections including: The Paul Mellon Centre for British Art Massachusetts, University of Arizona, Prizeman Seabrook Collection and has exhibited in Poland, Japan and China. He is a member of Contemporary British Painting and is represented by Alan Kluckow Fine Art.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.