Introduction to Oil Painting

About this course

The course introduces the characteristics of oil paint, including how it is applied and how different painting surfaces affect the work. Tutor guidance and structured projects provide the framework for exploring these areas. It also considers historical and contemporary painting languages, helping participants place their practical work within wider approaches to oil painting.

What you'll learn

• Explain key properties of oil paint and how they affect its use
• Apply oil paint using different methods
• Work on a range of painting surfaces and supports
• Recognise different historical and contemporary approaches to painting

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners new to oil painting or with limited experience. Some background knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals is described as useful, but the source does not state that previous oil-painting experience is required.

• Suitable for learners starting to explore oil painting
• Some familiarity with drawing and painting fundamentals may be useful

Before you go

• Participants must bring rags, such as old T-shirts or kitchen paper, and at least two old glass containers.
• Bristle brushes are required, including one larger and one smaller brush.
• Zest-it, a citrus-based turpentine, must be used for cleaning brushes and thinning paint; other low-odour turpentine products are not permitted.
• Participants must provide painting surfaces, a palette and a basic set of oil paints.