An introduction to the fundamental techniques of painting with oils. You will learn how to make a faithful representation of the figure. On the first evening, there will be introductions, followed by quick poses, drawing with oils with a limited palette.

The tutor will guide you through each stage of the process, starting with a few short poses with a limited palette, followed by one long pose.

On this structured course, you will learn:

• A traditional approach to observing and measuring the figure to get a more accurate and whole-body composition
• About the different types of brushes and how to use them
• How to mix and apply colours and how to mix flesh tones with a limited palette
• How to work with mediums, the versatility and mixing of paint
• About light and shade (chiaroscuro)
• Gesture, tone and chroma
• Observation techniques to get effective work down quickly

Throughout the course, you will receive helpful hints and tips on working with tools and media. The tutor will demonstrate various stages and will support you with one-to-ones and group discussion to help you make the most of your course.

By the end of the course, you will have gained knowledge of colour, brushwork, light and shade, and you will have completed a life study in oils.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing a life model, and some oil paints and mediums shared amongst the group. You may need to purchase additional paints and mediums as required.

What students need to bring

• Oil Paints: Zinc White, Titanium White or Titanium Buff. (If only one shade of white is bought, then buy Zinc White.) Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red. (Good quality, e.g. Winsor & Newton)
• Brushes: a selection ranging from thin to broad brush. Minimum of 3 brushes. Rounded end (filbert) is preferable to flat, but in the end it is a personal choice. Rosemary brushes are very effective but expensive. Da Vinci brushes are available in the shop and are good.
• Large palette (larger than A4)
• Large decorator’s brush – 2 inches wide minimum
• 3 or 4 small jam jars with lids
• Medium: studio safe solvent such as Zest-it or Shellzolt
• Canvases: bring a minimum of 3 ranging from A3 upwards
• Rags

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good selction of art materials are available to buy, such as oil paints in a variety of colours, including Zinc White, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre and Cadmium Red, canvases and boards: A3 and upwards, brushes – Da Vinci filbert, sizes 12, 8, 6 and 2, drawing and painting materials, including studio safe solvent.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

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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