Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.
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.
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.
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 Figure and Portrait; alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. Painting 3 or Contemporary painting studio. Your tutor will provide individual guidance based on your level and interests.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Rod JudkinsSee moreSee less
Rod Judkins is an artist and writer. He gained an MA at the Royal College of Art and has had numerous one man exhibitions across the world. He has also exhibited at Tate Britain, The National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy. He lectures on the subject of creativity at universities and to businesses around the world. His first book, Change Your Mind: 57 Ways to Unlock Your Creative Self and his second book, The Art of Creative Thinking, were international best sellers, with sales in hundreds of thousands and have been translated into over fifteen languages. He has delivered creative thinking workshops and talks to some of the worlds top companies such as Apple, Google, Bombay Sapphire and Samsung and to Medical Science students at University College London in The Royal Free Hospital for the last few years.
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
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/oil-painting-projects164461Oil painting projectshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm436_oil_paint_anne_t_1_2.jpg479479GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Oil painting2285113219161919136111228511321916Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance. Throughout the course we will explore three themed projects using the luscious and sensitive medium of oil paint, matching methods and techniques to each theme. In the final week students will make a personal oil painting inspired by artists and research from the preceding weeks.54.83030421Oil painting projects479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm436_oil_paint_anne_t_1_2_13.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-11-01T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceNov 2026Art & designVM027479479Oil painting projects383311479Desmond Haughtonoil-painting-projects/vm027-2627Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.0000-Available|2026-11-01 00:00:00<p>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.</p>Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.<p>Practical exercises to extend paint-handling techniques, with an emphasis on pressure-sensitivity (wet-in-wet, scumbling, scraping-out and ‘lifting off’).<br/>Themed projects include:<br/><strong>Mood and atmosphere: using a limited palette.</strong> Inspired by: Celmins, Robert Kraska, (film noir), Caravaggio, James Bland, Hopper and others.<br/><strong>Portraiture - 'being human': </strong> <strong>exploring colour-blending in relation to skin and surface</strong>. Using observational, photographic or painterly sources and diverse approaches to composition. Artists include: Jenny Saville, Freud, Richter, Dumas, and Gwen Hardie.<br/><strong>Nature-landscape: using drawing & collage to aid composition.</strong> 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.<br/><br/>Students will complete a final painting inspired by the preceding weeks’ research, ideas or methods.</p><ul><li>Paint with increased sensitivity to an extended range of techniques</li><li>Use drawing & collage for composition.</li><li>Use observational and/or photographic sources for research</li><li>Use broad themes and artists’ work to inspire & develop your own painting ideas</li></ul><p>This course is an intermediate/improvers level. Students should have at least completed a beginner's course, for example, <em>Introduction to oil painting </em>or equivalent, and have some drawing experience.</p><p>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.</p><ul><li>Tutor demonstrations</li><li>Paint handling exercises</li><li>One to one guidance</li><li>Group discussion</li><li>Slide shows of artists</li></ul><p>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</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>You may wish to move toward advanced painting courses such as <em>City Lit Year of Figure and Portrait;</em> alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. <em>Painting 3</em> or <em>Contemporary painting studio</em>. Your tutor will provide individual guidance based on your level and interests.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067915Oil painting projects409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm436_oil_paint_anne_t_1_2_14.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2027-02-21T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceFeb 2027Art & designVM436409409Oil painting projects327266409Rod Judkinsoil-painting-projects/vm436-2627Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.0000-Available|2027-02-21 00:00:00<p>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.</p>Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.<p>Practical exercises to extend paint-handling techniques, with an emphasis on pressure-sensitivity (wet-in-wet, scumbling, scraping-out and ‘lifting off’).<br/>Themed projects include:<br/><strong>Mood and atmosphere: using a limited palette.</strong> Inspired by: Celmins, Robert Kraska, (film noir), Caravaggio, James Bland, Hopper and others.<br/><strong>Portraiture - 'being human': </strong> <strong>exploring colour-blending in relation to skin and surface</strong>. Using observational, photographic or painterly sources and diverse approaches to composition. Artists include: Jenny Saville, Freud, Richter, Dumas, and Gwen Hardie.<br/><strong>Nature-landscape: using drawing & collage to aid composition.</strong> 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.<br/><br/>Students will complete a final painting inspired by the preceding weeks’ research, ideas or methods.</p><ul><li>Paint with increased sensitivity to an extended range of techniques</li><li>Use drawing & collage for composition.</li><li>Use observational and/or photographic sources for research</li><li>Use broad themes and artists’ work to inspire & develop your own painting ideas</li></ul><p>This course is an intermediate/improvers level. Students should have at least completed a beginner's course, for example, <em>Introduction to oil painting </em>or equivalent, and have some drawing experience.</p><p>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.</p><ul><li>Tutor demonstrations</li><li>Paint handling exercises</li><li>One to one guidance</li><li>Group discussion</li><li>Slide shows of artists</li></ul><p>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</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>You may wish to move toward advanced painting courses such as <em>City Lit Year of Figure and Portrait;</em> alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. <em>Painting 3</em> or <em>Contemporary painting studio</em>. Your tutor will provide individual guidance based on your level and interests.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067999Oil painting projects479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm436_oil_paint_anne_t_1_2_15.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2027-06-06T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJun 2027Art & designVM932479479Oil painting projects383311479Desmond Haughtonoil-painting-projects/vm932-2627Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.0000-Available|2027-06-06 00:00:00<p>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.</p>Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.<p>Practical exercises to extend paint-handling techniques, with an emphasis on pressure-sensitivity (wet-in-wet, scumbling, scraping-out and ‘lifting off’).<br/>Themed projects include:<br/><strong>Mood and atmosphere: using a limited palette.</strong> Inspired by: Celmins, Robert Kraska, (film noir), Caravaggio, James Bland, Hopper and others.<br/><strong>Portraiture - 'being human': </strong> <strong>exploring colour-blending in relation to skin and surface</strong>. Using observational, photographic or painterly sources and diverse approaches to composition. Artists include: Jenny Saville, Freud, Richter, Dumas, and Gwen Hardie.<br/><strong>Nature-landscape: using drawing & collage to aid composition.</strong> 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.<br/><br/>Students will complete a final painting inspired by the preceding weeks’ research, ideas or methods.</p><ul><li>Paint with increased sensitivity to an extended range of techniques</li><li>Use drawing & collage for composition.</li><li>Use observational and/or photographic sources for research</li><li>Use broad themes and artists’ work to inspire & develop your own painting ideas</li></ul><p>This course is an intermediate/improvers level. Students should have at least completed a beginner's course, for example, <em>Introduction to oil painting </em>or equivalent, and have some drawing experience.</p><p>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.</p><ul><li>Tutor demonstrations</li><li>Paint handling exercises</li><li>One to one guidance</li><li>Group discussion</li><li>Slide shows of artists</li></ul><p>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</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>You may wish to move toward advanced painting courses such as <em>City Lit Year of Figure and Portrait;</em> alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. <em>Painting 3</em> or <em>Contemporary painting studio</em>. Your tutor will provide individual guidance based on your level and interests.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual383,327479,409311,266VM027,VM436,VM932NONESun01/11/26 - 06/12/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:306 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekendKSKeeley StreetDesmond Haughton,Rod JudkinsSome experienceAvailable courses2026-11-01T00:00:00+00:00,2027-02-21T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-06T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeNov 2026,Feb 2027,Jun 2027Art & design409479,409Oil painting projectsoil-painting-projects/vm027-2627,oil-painting-projects/vm436-2627,oil-painting-projects/vm932-2627Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.0000-Available|2026-11-01 00:00:00<p>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.</p>Oil paint is a uniquely sensitive medium, which can be used to create expressive and complex images. This course is for oil painters with some experience who want to develop their own individual painting projects, with expert tutor guidance.<p>Practical exercises to extend paint-handling techniques, with an emphasis on pressure-sensitivity (wet-in-wet, scumbling, scraping-out and ‘lifting off’).<br/>Themed projects include:<br/><strong>Mood and atmosphere: using a limited palette.</strong> Inspired by: Celmins, Robert Kraska, (film noir), Caravaggio, James Bland, Hopper and others.<br/><strong>Portraiture - 'being human': </strong> <strong>exploring colour-blending in relation to skin and surface</strong>. Using observational, photographic or painterly sources and diverse approaches to composition. Artists include: Jenny Saville, Freud, Richter, Dumas, and Gwen Hardie.<br/><strong>Nature-landscape: using drawing &amp; collage to aid composition.</strong> 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.<br/><br/>Students will complete a final painting inspired by the preceding weeks’ research, ideas or methods.</p><ul><li>Paint with increased sensitivity to an extended range of techniques</li><li>Use drawing &amp; collage for composition.</li><li>Use observational and/or photographic sources for research</li><li>Use broad themes and artists’ work to inspire &amp; develop your own painting ideas</li></ul><p>This course is an intermediate/improvers level. Students should have at least completed a beginner's course, for example, <em>Introduction to oil painting </em>or equivalent, and have some drawing experience.</p><p>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.</p><ul><li>Tutor demonstrations</li><li>Paint handling exercises</li><li>One to one guidance</li><li>Group discussion</li><li>Slide shows of artists</li></ul><p>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</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>You may wish to move toward advanced painting courses such as <em>City Lit Year of Figure and Portrait;</em> alternatively you could take shorter courses e.g. <em>Painting 3</em> or <em>Contemporary painting studio</em>. Your tutor will provide individual guidance based on your level and interests.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
