Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
You will learn the basic skills needed to paint from observation and develop confidence in using acrylic paint.
What will we cover?
Focusing on how to work with paint in relation to tone, colour, method, and technique, this course is ideal for the beginner. The course incorporates basic colour mixing and develops experience in paint handling when working from observation. You will be encouraged to try a variety of techniques used by different artists, whose work will be used as examples.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Use paint to describe the basics of tonal structure. • Explore composition in painting. • Mix colours using basic colour theory. • Use a range of painting techniques such as 'impasto', 'scumble' and 'glaze'. • Identify the work of artists and other practitioners.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical work in the studio, demonstrations, presentations and handouts.
Individual and group tutoring, group discussion.
Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:
Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)
Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)
Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials and resources required for the course are provided. Aprons are provided, please wear old clothes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Painting 1 naturally leads on to Painting 2, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both Painting 1 and Painting 2 for maximum benefit. You may also go onto other painting courses such as Ways into Abstract Painting or Ways into Landscape Painting or Painting: acrylics techniques and mediums.
Amanda Bracken started her teaching career at the Serpentine Gallery, researching, developing and delivering projects to a range of audiences, which illuminated the art work on show in the exhibition programme, including a teachers’ pack for the Bridget Riley exhibition. She also gained substantial experience developing projects and workshops within the education departments of The Drawing Room, the Estorick collection, The National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria Miro Gallery in particular Alice Neel: Portraits. Bracken holds an MA in Fine Art gained at Central Saint Martins. She also holds a BA in joint Art/Dance and a PGCE gained at Goldsmiths College London. Brackens paintings, drawings and installations have been selected for exhibitions in London and nationally including the Drawing Room, ASC Gallery, C and C Gallery and Atkinson Gallery Millfield. ‘I am interested in colour and form in all its permutations and the qualities of the substance of painting and drawing-the figurative, the abstract and the in-between. Citylit has a diverse Art department where I can use my experience to stimulate students to develop their own work'.
I am an artist living and working in London, trained at Chelsea School of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art (University College London). I have shown in solo and group exhibitions around the UK and in Europe (including the Whitechapel Open and Threadneedle Painting Prize) with work in numerous private collections and featured in Drawing and Painting by Kate Wilson (Thames and Hudson, 2015) For over 30 years I have taught in a wide variety of contexts, lecturing in many British art schools, including Manchester (MA), Cheltenham (BA), Central St Martins, UAL. I have run drawing workshops for Microsoft Seattle, Microsoft Research Asia in Beijing, Electronic Arts UK, Vanguard Animation, Tell Me in Mountain View, CA and Kaos Studios (THQ) in New York amongst others. I have also taught renowned opera, television and film directors how to draw (NDAs duly signed) From 2021-22 I was the recipient of an Arts Council England Project Award to conduct research into drawing and the processing of trauma. I have tenure at City Lit where I deliver drawing and painting courses exploring how these activities alter visual perception, with a strong emphasis on thinking through doing.
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.
product
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Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.204.9https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/painting-1-image-1-vm968-vm506_copy.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/painting-1-image-2-vm968-vm506_copy.jpg2539651Painting 1449449https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/painting-1-image-3-vm968-1024_6.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-25T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJun 2026Art & designVM968449449Painting 1359292449Amanda Brackenpainting-1/vm968-2526Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.0000-Available|2026-06-25 00:00:00You will learn the basic skills needed to paint from observation and develop confidence in using acrylic paint.Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.Focusing on how to work with paint in relation to tone, colour, method, and technique, this course is ideal for the beginner. The course incorporates basic colour mixing and develops experience in paint handling when working from observation. You will be encouraged to try a variety of techniques used by different artists, whose work will be used as examples.• Use paint to describe the basics of tonal structure.<br/>• Explore composition in painting.<br/>• Mix colours using basic colour theory.<br/>• Use a range of painting techniques such as 'impasto', 'scumble' and 'glaze'.<br/>• Identify the work of artists and other practitioners.This is a course for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<ul><li>Practical work in the studio, demonstrations, presentations and handouts.</li><li>Individual and group tutoring, group discussion.</li></ul><p><strong>Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:</strong></p><p>Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)</p><p>Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>All basic materials and resources required for the course are provided. Aprons are provided, please wear old clothes.</p><p>Painting 1 naturally leads on to Painting 2, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both Painting 1 and Painting 2 for maximum benefit. You may also go onto other painting courses such as Ways into Abstract Painting or Ways into Landscape Painting or Painting: acrylics techniques and mediums.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3030442Painting 1479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/painting-1-image-3-vm968-1024_81.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM506479479Painting 1383311479Tony Hullpainting-1/vm506-2627Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00You will learn the basic skills needed to paint from observation and develop confidence in using acrylic paint.Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.Focusing on how to work with paint in relation to tone, colour, method, and technique, this course is ideal for the beginner. The course incorporates basic colour mixing and develops experience in paint handling when working from observation. You will be encouraged to try a variety of techniques used by different artists, whose work will be used as examples.• Use paint to describe the basics of tonal structure.<br/>• Explore composition in painting.<br/>• Mix colours using basic colour theory.<br/>• Use a range of painting techniques such as 'impasto', 'scumble' and 'glaze'.<br/>• Identify the work of artists and other practitioners.This is a course for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>This course will focus on practical work in the studio, including demonstrations, presentations and handouts. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your work and your progress by way of individual and group tutoring, and group discussion.</p><p><strong>Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:</strong></p><p>Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)</p><p>Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>All basic materials and resources required for the course are provided. Aprons are provided, please wear old clothes.</p><p><em>Painting 1</em> naturally leads on to <em>Painting 2</em>, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both <em>Painting 1 </em>and<em> Painting 2</em> for maximum benefit. Progression routes may also include <em>Ways into abstract painting, Ways into landscape painting,</em> or <em>Painting: colour mixing for artists</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3030445Painting 1479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/painting-1-image-3-vm968-1024_82.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-28T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM564479479Painting 1383311479Amanda Brackenpainting-1/vm564-2627Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.0000-Available|2026-09-28 00:00:00You will learn the basic skills needed to paint from observation and develop confidence in using acrylic paint.Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.Focusing on how to work with paint in relation to tone, colour, method, and technique, this course is ideal for the beginner. The course incorporates basic colour mixing and develops experience in paint handling when working from observation. You will be encouraged to try a variety of techniques used by different artists, whose work will be used as examples.• Use paint to describe the basics of tonal structure.<br/>• Explore composition in painting.<br/>• Mix colours using basic colour theory.<br/>• Use a range of painting techniques such as 'impasto', 'scumble' and 'glaze'.<br/>• Identify the work of artists and other practitioners.This is a course for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>This course will focus on practical work in the studio, including demonstrations, presentations and handouts. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your work and your progress by way of individual and group tutoring, and group discussion.</p><p><strong>Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:</strong></p><p>Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)</p><p>Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>All basic materials and resources required for the course are provided. Aprons are provided, please wear old clothes.</p><p><em>Painting 1</em> naturally leads on to <em>Painting 2</em>, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both <em>Painting 1 </em>and<em> Painting 2</em> for maximum benefit. Progression routes may also include <em>Ways into abstract painting, Ways into landscape painting,</em> or <em>Painting: colour mixing for artists</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual359,383449,479292,311VM968,VM506,VM564NONEThu,Fri,Mon25/06/26 - 23/07/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAmanda Bracken,Tony HullBeginnersAvailable courses2026-06-25T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-28T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026,Sep 2026Art & design449449,479Painting 1painting-1/vm968-2526,painting-1/vm506-2627,painting-1/vm564-2627Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.0000-Available|2026-06-25 00:00:00You will learn the basic skills needed to paint from observation and develop confidence in using acrylic paint.Painting 1 offers an introduction to the basic principles and skills associated with painting. Focus on differing approaches to observational and imaginative work, whilst learning how to organise a palette, mix colours and create different textures.Focusing on how to work with paint in relation to tone, colour, method, and technique, this course is ideal for the beginner. The course incorporates basic colour mixing and develops experience in paint handling when working from observation. You will be encouraged to try a variety of techniques used by different artists, whose work will be used as examples.• Use paint to describe the basics of tonal structure.<br/>• Explore composition in painting.<br/>• Mix colours using basic colour theory.<br/>• Use a range of painting techniques such as 'impasto', 'scumble' and 'glaze'.<br/>• Identify the work of artists and other practitioners.This is a course for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<ul><li>Practical work in the studio, demonstrations, presentations and handouts.</li><li>Individual and group tutoring, group discussion.</li></ul><p><strong>Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:</strong></p><p>Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)</p><p>Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p>,<p>This course will focus on practical work in the studio, including demonstrations, presentations and handouts. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your work and your progress by way of individual and group tutoring, and group discussion.</p><p><strong>Painting 1-3: use of acrylics and oils:</strong></p><p>Painting 1 - taught using acrylic (with some tutors electing to introduce oils)</p><p>Painting 2 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>Painting 3 - taught using oil (with some acrylic use where project requires)</p><p>All basic materials and resources required for the course are provided. Aprons are provided, please wear old clothes.</p><p>Painting 1 naturally leads on to Painting 2, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both Painting 1 and Painting 2 for maximum benefit. You may also go onto other painting courses such as Ways into Abstract Painting or Ways into Landscape Painting or Painting: acrylics techniques and mediums.</p>,<p><em>Painting 1</em> naturally leads on to <em>Painting 2</em>, which prepares you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic painting on higher level painting courses. You are encouraged to attend both <em>Painting 1 </em>and<em> Painting 2</em> for maximum benefit. Progression routes may also include <em>Ways into abstract painting, Ways into landscape painting,</em> or <em>Painting: colour mixing for artists</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
