Oil Painting Restoration

About this course

The course introduces methods for assessing and restoring damaged oil paintings. Participants practise surface cleaning, removing yellowed varnish, making gesso, filling losses, retouching and applying varnish. Depending on their projects, they may also explore mending tears, strip-lining canvas and relining paintings. Teaching combines practical exercises, lectures, individual work and discussions. Tutor feedback supports each participant’s restoration aims, while a Personal Learning Plan records goals and progress. Informal group critiques at the end of sessions provide opportunities to review work and receive constructive feedback.

What you'll learn

• Clean the surface of an oil painting and remove aged varnish
• Prepare gesso, fill losses and carry out retouching
• Apply varnish as part of an oil painting conservation process
• Mend tears and explore strip-lining or relining where relevant to a project
• Set achievable restoration goals through a Personal Learning Plan

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Improver and requires some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques. It is intended for learners developing restoration skills through an individual painting project, with participation in tutor discussions and informal group critiques. Participants must be aged 19 or over on 31 August before the course starts.

• Some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques is required
• Participants work on an individual restoration project
• The course includes group critiques and individual feedback