Figure Oil Painting Short Course
Course description
Course overview
In the Figure Oil Painting short course, you will be encouraged to explore all the techniques that oil allows for painting the figure. Life painting has been a central preoccupation for artists for hundreds of years and continues to fascinate new generations.
This incredible tradition has produced images as varied as paintings by Michelangelo to the extraordinary work of Picasso. This course will equip students with both practical know-how, a deeper understanding of this tradition and of how contemporary artists work with a life model.
Over the first 2 days we will make several small paintings exploring the areas outlined above working with the model in the studio. We will also visit a gallery, either the Tate or National, and look closely at some examples of figure painting.
Over the following 3 days we will have one model assuming the same pose. This will allow us to develop a single painting that breaks new ground for each student.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for students with some previous experience who want to learn new techniques to push their practice further. Undergraduate art and design students wishing to improve their painting skills and those who want to strengthen their skills and portfolio to apply for study at art colleges.
The course is suitable for students of all levels, including those with some previous experience. Numbers are kept to a maximum of 15 (sometimes fewer), which gives time for the tutor to go round and give one-to-one advice according to individual needs.
Please also note that Figure Oil Painting includes nude models.
Key information
Topics covered
- How to apply colour, texture and layers to figure painting
- Colour: mixing and practical aspects of colour theory and examine its usefulness
- Scale: how the size and scale of the image affects the work
- Composition: how to arrange the model on the canvas
- Drawing with paint: the relationship between drawing and painting
Learning outcomes
- A deep understanding of figure oil painting
- Learn how contemporary artists work with a life model
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Five stretched primed canvases measuring 20 x 24 inches approximately
- A full range of Artists' oil colours: White, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Venetian Red, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Veridian Green, Sap Green, Colbalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red, Windsor Violet, Cadmium Yellow and Lemon Yellow, Winsor Orange and Raw Umber
- Palette
- Purified linseed oil
- Brushes and kitchen roll
For Health and Safety reasons students are not allowed to bring any solvents to the studio. We will provide low odour mineral spirits for diluting paints and cleaning brushes. Any kind of spray products, turpentine or white spirits are banned from the building and the internal courtyard.
Book a course
Loading