Oil painting projects

What is the course about?

The tutor will present three broad themes, each one linked to the rich and varied physical qualities of the medium. Students will interpret and express a personal response to each themed painting project, and take inspiration from a range of contemporary and traditional artists. These projects will feed into a final painting.

What will we cover?

Practical exercises to extend paint-handling techniques, with an emphasis on pressure-sensitivity (wet-in-wet, scumbling, scraping-out and ‘lifting off’).
Themed projects include:
Mood and atmosphere: using a limited palette. Inspired by: Celmins, Robert Kraska, (film noir), Caravaggio, James Bland, Hopper and others.
Portraiture - 'being human':  exploring colour-blending in relation to skin and surface. Using observational, photographic or painterly sources and diverse approaches to composition. Artists include: Jenny Saville, Freud, Richter, Dumas, and Gwen Hardie.
Nature-landscape: using drawing & collage to aid composition. Choosing a psychological, imaginative or observational approach. Working from natural forms, photographic or painterly sources. Artists: Max Ernst, Sonia Delaunay, Turner, O’Keeffe or Imogen Cunningham.

Students will complete a final painting inspired by the preceding weeks’ research, ideas or methods.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Paint with increased sensitivity to an extended range of techniques
• Use drawing & collage for composition.
• Use observational and/or photographic sources for research
• Use broad themes and artists’ work to inspire & develop your own painting ideas

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is an intermediate/improvers level. Students should have at least completed a beginner's course, for example, Introduction to Oil Painting or equivalent and have some drawing experience. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, for hand-outs and for health and safety information. You will also be invited to take part in group discussion.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

• Tutor demonstrations
• Paint handling exercises
• One to one guidance
• Group discussion
• Slide shows of artists

No homework is required but you may wish to keep a sketchbook to research suggested artists week by week, as an aid to planning your final painting

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring two clean glass jars with lids, clean rags or j-cloths for ‘tonking’. Basic oil painting materials and media will be provided including cartridge paper to prime. The tutor will prepare and prime paper for your first session to save drying time. For subsequent weeks students need to either prime paper in advance the week before, or you may wish to buy yourself ready-primed paper or canvas during the course. You may want to bring a canvas for your last project in the final week. The tutor will advise on size.


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 move toward advanced painting courses such as City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait; alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. Painting 3 or Contemporary Painting Studio. Your tutor will provide individiual guidance based on your level and interests.