Oil painting for complete beginners: build skills and confidence

About this course

Participants are introduced to oil painting through demonstrations, guided exercises and practical studio work. The course covers safe and effective use of oil paints, colour mixing, brush techniques, form developed through observation, and basic composition. References to artists’ work, group discussion and informal peer feedback are used alongside practical activities. Learners create paintings or samples while receiving ongoing feedback on their work and reflecting on their developing techniques.

What you'll learn

• Use oil paints safely and effectively
• Mix colours to produce different tones and shades
• Apply paint using a range of brush techniques
• Develop form through observation
• Apply basic approaches to composition

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners, including people new to art or returning to creative practice. No previous oil-painting experience is required. Learning takes place through step-by-step demonstrations, individual practical work, group discussion and informal peer feedback.

• Suitable for learners with no previous oil-painting experience
• Supports people returning to creative practice
• Includes group discussion and informal peer feedback

Before you go

• All materials are provided.
• Shared equipment and teaching resources are available.
• Participants create a piece or samples to take away.