Explore the rich, expressive qualities of oil paint in this welcoming and supportive mixed ability class. Whether you're a beginner or looking to further develop your skills, you’ll gain confidence working with oils – one of the most beautiful and forgiving painting mediums.

You’ll be introduced to core techniques including painting a ground, working from light to dark, blending, grading, and brushwork. The course also covers essential drawing and construction methods, colour mixing, and palette management. Early sessions focus on still life to build observational skills, helping you understand light, shade, and colour variance. As the course progresses, you’ll be encouraged to experiment and develop a more expressive, personal style – particularly through bold landscape and seascape compositions.

Topics include:

Monochrome landscapes

Measuring and basic drawing techniques

Still life with fruit: colour and form

Painting trees: shape and texture

Creating space and depth in landscapes

Expressive mark-making and textured seascapes

Your tutor will provide regular demonstrations, one-to-one support, and creative guidance within a friendly, collaborative group environment.

Please do not purchase materials until your course has been confirmed.

What to bring to your first session:

A4 or A3 cotton canvas pad (e.g. Pebeo Pop Art 100% Cotton Canvas – avoid paper with a printed canvas texture)

Oil paints (e.g. Winsor & Newton Winton or Daler Rowney Georgian)Essential colours: Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Viridian Green or Phthalo Green (not both). Also useful: Permanent Rose, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre

Brushes: Hogs hair brushes – sizes 12, 10, 6, plus a small size 2 round brush

Palette: Traditional wooden, tear-off palette, or greaseproof baking paper

Thinner: Low-odour turpentine, Sansodor, or Zest-it

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