Explore: oil painting – extend and experiment

About this course

The course uses short exercises alongside longer investigations, with paintings developed across multiple sessions. Learners experiment with layering, paint thickness, blending, grounds, colour relationships and composition, then revisit and revise their work as ideas evolve. Subjects may include still life, landscape, abstraction or personal themes. Teaching includes reflection, discussion and feedback, with reference to historical and contemporary painters. The course also considers how rhythm, movement, tone and paint handling can shape a painting’s direction and outcome.

What you'll learn

• Adapt oil painting techniques and processes to different artistic intentions.
• Develop a subject, theme or approach through sustained experimentation.
• Build paintings in stages using grounds, layering and revision.
• Make more intentional decisions about colour, tone and composition.
• Discuss creative decisions with reference to process and outcomes.

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Improver, suggesting it is intended for learners developing beyond fundamental oil painting techniques. Participants should be prepared to sustain work over several sessions, reflect on their decisions, and discuss their paintings in response to feedback.

• Work is developed over multiple sessions rather than completed through isolated exercises.
• The course includes discussion, reflection and feedback on developing paintings.