Ref: D2D36583
This course focuses on creating an oil painting, whether its your first time working with oils or your first painting in any medium. Over two days, we will aim to produce a cityscape inspired by views near the school. Local squares, such as Russell Square, provide a striking contrast between towering buildings and lush gardens, offering a rich variety of textures, compositions and colours. On the first day, you will be guided through the fundamentals of oil painting, starting with an underpainting and layering with a limited colour palette. The second day will focus on finding a strong motif, developing a composition and completing a painting. The course is designed to enhance your ability to capture fleeting light effects while conveying a true sense of place. The course begins indoors but will primarily take place outdoors on the second day. In case of bad weather, alternative covered areas and studio work from your sketches will be available. You will create quick oil sketches, as well as one or more sustained paintings, focusing on space, light, form and atmosphere.
On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including 6 x gesso boards, oil paint and solvents.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]
This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations Please refer to our terms & conditions below
Disclaimer The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Nick Bush (b.1987) is a painter living and working in East Sussex. He completed his BA at the Glasgow School of Art in 2010 and went on to do The Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2011. He has exhibited widely in the UK, including the RA Summer Exhibition and the Lynn-Painter Stainers Prize.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
