Introduction to Oil Painting

Wed 22 Oct-3 Dec (5 wks) | 7-9pm  | 16+ yrs

If the start date for this event has passed, bookings may still be available. Please contact our box office at 01539 725133 to inquire about availability. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on future courses!

This course will cover the basics of oil painting, such as equipment, surface preparation, colour mixing and painting techniques.  Beginners will gain confidence and those with some experience will refresh their approaches.  Still life will be used as the primary subject matter.  

What will the class cover and how will it be taught?

During the course you will learn to:-

1. Prepare and use appropriate surfaces to use oil paint on. 
2. Explore and experiment with a variety of oil painting techniques and colour palettes. 
3. Appreciate some technical methods of using oil paints and develop a personal language with the medium. 
4. Appreciate the work and oil painting techniques of other artists. 

Methods of learning in the course

This course will be taught through a series of demonstrations and practical activities. Looking at other artists oil paintings, the work of peers, and having one-to-one time with the tutor will facilitate your individual learning to enable you to achieve on this course. 

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh or learn to oil paint from the start. 

What do I need to bring?

All painting materials need to be provided by the students. The first class will deal with equipment considered necessary by the tutor for use during the course plus recommended colours to buy.   

Please bring:-

• Dark brown oil paint (burnt umber, raw umber or burnt sienna)
• One large and one small brush.
• Material rag.
• Turps substitute or white spirit (for washing brushes).
• A good quality solvent for diluting with the paint (e.g. pure turps, Sansador, Zest It).
• A glass jar with lid.
• One surface to paint on (this should be well primed with an acrylic primer {e.g. gesso}.  Please note that it is recommended to reprime over cheaper primed surfaces to ensure the surface is well sealed).
• A small notebook and pencil.
• When using art materials your clothes could potentially get dirty so you may wish to dress accordingly.

Important Information

This course will be held in Studio 3. There are no classes during the weeks commencing 27 Oct or 17 Nov. 

Are there any additional costs?

No

About the tutor

Catherine MacDiarmid has 29 years of experience teaching a range of art classes and applying her knowledge as a practising artist to her role as a Tutor.  She exhibits widely, including exhibiting in the BP Portrait in 2001/2, New Light Art Tour 2021/22 and 2023/24 (of outstanding Northern based Artists) and regularly at the Mall Galleries.  Catherine has won many awards for her art, most recently being the Watercolour Materials Award in the Jacksons Painting Prize 2023.  She is an elected member of The Lakes Artists Society, the Contemporary British Portrait Painters and also appeared in Sky Portrait Artists of the Year 2014, and 2018, reaching the semi-finals in 2019.  As well as completing private portrait commissions her work is collected internationally and she works from her home-studio in Kendal.

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