Oil painting: refine your skills, techniques and confidence

About this course

The course develops oil painting through practical studio sessions focused on tone, observation, colour mixing, glazing, grisaille and wet-on-wet application. Participants work from still life, photographs, existing artworks and a live model, exploring composition, atmosphere and symbolism across still life, landscape, portrait and abstract painting. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, guided exercises, group discussion, peer feedback and individual support. Learners experiment with surfaces, palettes and paint application methods, review their work regularly and use the later part of the course to develop a personal project.

What you'll learn

• Apply glazing, grisaille and wet-on-wet oil painting techniques
• Use tone, observation and composition when developing paintings
• Experiment with different surfaces, palettes and paint application methods
• Create paintings from life, photographs and other source material
• Develop original work using atmosphere, symbolism and personal expression

Is this course right for you?

This intermediate course is intended for learners with some experience of oil painting who want to extend their techniques and develop a more individual approach. Basic skills are built upon rather than introduced from scratch, so learners should be comfortable handling materials and have a basic understanding of colour mixing and painting processes. Sessions combine practical studio work with discussion, feedback and independent project development.

• Some prior experience with oil painting or a similar medium is recommended
• Learners take part in group discussion and peer feedback
• The course includes time to develop an individual project

Before you go

• Learners do not need to buy materials before the first session.
• Shared equipment and teaching resources are available.
• Learners may bring their own materials; the tutor can recommend suitable options.
• No work outside class is required, although optional homework may be suggested.