top of page

In this short introduction course to oil painting techniques we will look at studio and workplace setup, basic materials and painting techniques. Focusing on drawing, light and dark, colour and composition as well as brush work. These will be looked at separately allowing you to deal with each in turn and then put together illustrating how a picture can be constructed in a well organised and sequential manner. I will be encouraging the students to learn those techniques that can help guide and support them through the painting process, but also, with a loaded brush in hand, to invite chance and opportunity into their work. We will be using still life as our subject matter. By using still life we can keep it as simple as we need, with consistent and controlled lighting. This really enables you to focus with more clarity on the techniques and not be distracted by a complicated subject. For those at home who do not have a separate studio space and do not wish to have the smell of solvents I can recommend water-based oil paints. The linseed oil has been heated under high pressure so it becomes water soluble. For those used to painting in traditional oil paints they will recognise a slight difference but they really are very good and avoid the solvents issue. In terms of paint you don't want anything too expensive if it's going to restrict you. There is a good quality student level paint called Spectrum made by Cranfield colours. The large tubes are better value for the quantity. We will begin with a limited palette in terms of colour: titanium white, yellow, yellow ochre, vermillion or deep red, raw or burnt umber. We will also be using hog hair filbert shaped brushes.

Introduction to Oil painting techniques with Marcus Hodge

£150.00Price
    bottom of page