The main aim of this course is to develop your understanding of painting a portrait using the medium of oils. During the course, you will complete a number of studies, plus a couple of finished pieces, which will demonstrate your increased confidence in using oil paint. You will improve your ability to draw (and paint) from a live model and you will take part in exercises that boost your skills in matching tonal values, creating three-dimensional proportions and pushing the range of saturated colours/hues.

The course will begin with a presentation from your tutor and a review of materials and equipment.

You will be working from a live portrait model during the course: one for the first full day and a different model for the second full day. On the final day, you will work from a photographic reference. You will be given drawing exercises, colour/value mixing exercises and tutor demonstrations. The course will be broken down into various sessions suitable for those who would like to improve their ability to paint portraits using oils. You will be provided with group tuition and critiques, as well as individual one-to-one support throughout.

At the end of the course, there will be a review and a display of the work you produce.

Included

On this course, the College will supply some of the materials to get you started, including:

• Some disposable palettes, studio safe odourless solvent, oil painting paper and 2 x canvas boards 300mm x 300mm and 1 x 300 x 400mm
• Acrylic paint (for applying to surface as a ground)
• The model/s who will sit for the course

What students need to bring

• Please bring oil paint: Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Lemon Yellow, Cerulean Blue, Permanent Rose.
• Zest-it or other low odour solvent
• Tear off painting palette pad
• Your tutor recommends the following brushes from Rosemary and Co. Evergreen or Ivory – short flat synthetic brush, long handle, size 4 and size 0 Additional brushes, according to your preference – i.e. a selection of short, flat brushes or pointed, round brushes (must be suitable for painting in oils – can be synthetic or hog’s hair)
• Large brush for preparing painting surface
• Jam jar with a lid
• Apron or painting shirt/ old clothes that you don’t mind getting oil paint on as it can stain
• A box or container large enough to take home two or three wet paintings sized 300x400mm
• A couple of photographic portrait references to refer to on the final day. These need to be in hi-resolution colour and in focus. The tutor will bring a selection too.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good selection of oil paints, brushes, studio safe odourless solvent, disposable tear off palette pads and other general art materials

Additional information

Only low odour or odourless solvent can be used in the workshop, such as Zest-it.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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