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Oil Painting

FUNDAMENTALS OF
OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS

Learn the Art of Oil Painting: Classic Techniques for Rich Color, Depth, and Texture

Oil painting is a timeless and rewarding medium known for its rich textures, luminous colors, and slow drying time that allows for blending and refinement. In this foundational course, artists of all levels will explore the essential materials, color theory, brushwork, and layering techniques that make oil painting a powerful form of expression. Whether you're painting a still life or building a landscape from scratch, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the medium—and a portfolio of your own beautiful work.

IMG_2680.heic
Module 1: Introduction to Oil Painting

  • What is oil painting and how has it evolved through history?

  • Characteristics of oil paint and why it's favored by many artists

  • Pros and cons of working with oils, especially compared to other mediums

Module 2: Materials and Supplies

  • Oil Paints: Differences between student and artist-grade paints

  • Brushes: Flat, round, filbert, and specialty brushes for oil

  • Palettes: How to use plastic, glass, or wood palettes for mixing

  • Surfaces: Working with pre-primed canvases or priming your own

  • Mediums & Solvents: Using linseed oil, turpentine, and other modifiers

  • Tools: Explore palette knives, scrapers, and other tools for texture

  • Safety Tips: Importance of ventilation and proper cleanup

Palette
Artist Painting
Module 3: Basic Painting Techniques

  • Develop control with brushstrokes and texture-building

  • Learn key principles like "fat over lean" and “thick over thin”

  • Practice mixing colors, applying layers, and creating dimensional effects

  • Experiment with glazing, highlights, and subtle color shifts

Module 4: Color Theory

  • Understand primary, secondary, and tertiary color relationships

  • Explore complementary, analogous, and split-complementary color schemes

  • Work with value, tone, and temperature to shape mood and depth

  • Practice techniques for intentional, expressive color mixing

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Wheat Field with Cypresses
Module 5: Composition Essentials

  • Use the rule of thirds to structure your painting

  • Identify focal points and create implied movement

  • Explore balance, symmetry, and spatial perspective

Module 6: Painting Exercises

  • Paint simple still lifes to develop observation and form

  • Create landscapes with atmospheric depth

  • Practice basic figure painting using shape and shadow

  • Explore value and color studies to refine technique and understanding

Image by Flow Clark
Child Artist
Module 7: Practice and Refinement

  • Build a regular painting habit (daily or weekly)

  • Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or critique groups

  • Refine your skills through consistent practice and experimentation

Develop Your Style and Confidence with Every Brushstroke

Whether you're brand new to oil painting or looking to strengthen your technique, this course will guide you step by step through the fundamentals. With a focus on both skill-building and personal expression, you’ll gain the tools to bring your ideas to life on canvas with boldness and clarity.

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