The main aim of this course is to develop your understanding of painting a portrait using the medium of oils. Over the course of five days, 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, as well as from a photographic reference, 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 first three days of the course, a different model each day. On the final two days, you will work from photographic references. You will be given drawing exercises, colour/value mixing exercises and tutor demonstrations. The course will be broken down into various sessions suitable for beginners, as well as for those who would like to improve their ability to paint portraits using oils. You will be provided with group tuitions 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 most of the materials, including: Oil paints in Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Lemon Yellow, Cerulean Blue, Permanent Rose, disposable palettes, studio safe solvent, oil painting paper and 3 x canvas boards 2 x Rosemary and Co short flat acrylic long handle, size 4 and size 0 brushes Acrylic paint (for applying to surface as a ground) Large brushes (for preparing painting surface) The models who will sit for the first three full days of the course

What students need to bring

• Please bring 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 hogs hair)
• Jam jar with a lid
• Apron or painting shirt to protect clothing as oil paint can stain
• A box or container large enough to take home three or four wet paintings (30cm x 40cm)

Please bring a couple of photographic portrait references to refer to on the fourth and final day. They need to be in high resolution, colour and in focus. The tutor will bring a selection too.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including paints, paint mediums, canvases, palettes, brushes, aprons, etc.

Additional information

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

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)
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

Terms & Conditions