Oil Painting Techniques

About this course

The course introduces oil painting from fundamental methods through more advanced approaches. Participants may explore landscape, still life, portraiture and Old Masters’ studies, or develop a personal project according to their interests. Teaching covers imprimatura, underpainting for establishing values and tones, alla prima, layering, impasto, scumbling and sfumato. The tutor provides individual guidance throughout, supporting work across the range of subjects and techniques covered.

What you'll learn

• Apply imprimatura and underpainting to establish values and tones
• Use alla prima, layering, impasto and scumbling in oil paintings
• Practise sfumato for soft blending
• Develop paintings through landscape, still life, portraiture, Old Masters’ studies or a personal project

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed as suitable for all levels, so it is intended to accommodate learners working from fundamental oil painting methods through more advanced techniques. Participants may choose from suggested subject areas or develop a personal project, with individual tutor guidance.

• Suitable for learners at different levels of oil painting experience
• Allows choice between subject studies and a personal project

Before you go

• A general materials guide and a specified materials list are available for the course.