Traditional Painting Methods Short Course

About this course

The course examines the materials and processes used in traditional painting, including preparation of painting surfaces with animal glue, gesso and starch. Demonstrations and guided exercises introduce the distinct properties of oil, egg tempera and watercolour. Participants practise egg tempera layering, oil glazing and impasto, and watercolour washes and brushwork. The course also covers pigment properties, drying times and preservation methods, with studies and a final piece providing opportunities to apply the techniques explored.

What you'll learn

• Prepare painting surfaces using traditional animal glue, gesso and starch methods
• Apply layered techniques in egg tempera, including methods that develop luminosity
• Use glazing and impasto techniques in oil painting
• Control watercolour washes and brushwork
• Explain how pigment properties, drying times and preservation methods affect paintings

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for artists, designers and creatives working across a range of experience levels. It welcomes beginners and intermediate painters, with basic familiarity with handling brushes and mixing colours described as beneficial rather than required.

• Suitable for learners beginning to study traditional painting methods
• Relevant to intermediate painters seeking to refine their technical understanding
• Participation includes demonstrations, practical exercises and guided practice