Oil painting: techniques and mediums

ByCity Lit

Painting

All Levels

An all-levels course exploring oil-painting mediums, layering, glazing, impasto, transparency and wet-paint techniques through demonstrations and studio practice.

About this course

The course examines how different oil-painting mediums affect the handling and appearance of paint, including glazing mediums, linseed oil and Liquin. Participants explore impasto, layered glazing, transparency, opacity and wet-on-dry and wet-into-wet approaches. Teaching combines demonstrations with practical studio work, handouts, one-to-one guidance and group discussion. The focus is on using mediums and application methods to create varied brush marks and more nuanced painted surfaces.

What you'll learn

  • Combine oil paint with different mediums to extend the range of brush marks.
  • Apply layering and glazing methods in oil painting.
  • Distinguish between transparent and opaque paint effects.
  • Create varied and nuanced surfaces using different oil-painting techniques.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and more experienced painters, with an all-levels format that allows participants to develop their understanding of oil paint at an appropriate point. Learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and take part in group discussions.

  • Teaching includes practical studio work, demonstrations and one-to-one tutoring.
  • Learners may be encouraged to take short written notes for their own use.

Before you go

  • Oil paint, mediums and brushes are provided.
  • A sketchbook may be useful for making notes.

Class teacher

  • Lindsay Pickett

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

46 painting courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

3 classes

Selected date

Fri 26 Feb 2027

14:00 – 17:00 • 4 weeks

£229

Keeley Street, Covent Garden

Lindsay PickettClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Thu 29 Apr 2027

    18:00 – 21:00 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Painting team

    £229

  • Mon 5 Jul 2027

    18:00 – 21:00 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Painting team

    £229

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
29 Apr 2027
Thursdays
18:00 - 21:00
Short course4 weeks
PaintingTeacher
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
5 Jul 2027
Mondays
18:00 - 21:00
Short course4 weeks
PaintingTeacher
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
  • Fri 26 Feb, 14:00 - 17:00

    Book now
    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksFri 14:00£229
    LindsayPickettKeeley Street
    LindsayPickett
    £229
  • Thu 29 Apr, 18:00 - 21:00

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksThu 18:00£229
    PaintingTeacherKeeley Street
    PaintingTeacher
    £229
  • Mon 5 Jul, 18:00 - 21:00

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksMon 18:00£229
    PaintingTeacherKeeley Street
    PaintingTeacher
    £229

Showing 1 to 3 of 3 classes

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