Once the pose has been determined, you will continue to work on the same painting throughout the two days. You will work in oils and have some experience of drawing from the figure. Individual guidance will be given on composition, proportion, tone and colour mixing.

You should achieve a greater understanding of colour and tonal relationships through the study of the human figure, and you will develop skills and knowledge in colour mixing and painting techniques, applied when painting over a sustained period. You will make a series of studies when analysing composition and the figure in space.

One painting is produced during the course following intensive study of the model and there will be the opportunity to make a small-scale tonal study of the composition before beginning work on the main piece.

Once painting has begun, you will look in detail at colour mixing, basic colour theory, proportion, measurement and how to select and build composition. Techniques in paint mixing and application will be studied as both individual and group activities. As the course progresses, any specific issues will be identified and addressed.

Individual tutor guidance will be given throughout each session, with individual tutorials in the form of feedback, self-evaluation and reflection throughout each session. There are group discussions, and a group ‘critique’ at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on individual development and practice. During part of the course, the tutor will paint alongside the group as means of demonstration and discussion.

Day 1

• Set pose and make preparatory studies and begin painting

Day 2

• Continue to work on your painting, directly from the model
• Formative assessment throughout, with both individual guidance, group discussion and evaluation
• Completion of piece and summing up at end of course

Included

Included in the course fee is the cost of providing a life model.

What students need to bring

It would be helpful if you could bring a small selection of images with you - artists who particularly inspire you or favourite works. Also, an example or two of previous works (photos, if possible) to enable assessment of previous experience and to establish learning goals and aims.

• Oil paints – suggested colours are: Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, French Ultramarine
• A selection of brushes suitable for oils, including a rigger and a round synthetic brush for drawing
• Palette, preferably wooden
• Primed surface suitable for oils, either board or canvas
• Small canvas board, no bigger than A4 in size
• Dipper pots
• Sansodor only (no turps or white spirit)
• Linseed oil
• Sketchbook (A4/A3 in size)
• Drawing materials – charcoal or a selection of pencils

Please bring any of the above, if you have them and, in addition, any materials thought to be suitable, tools or equipment, that you may use regularly that are not listed above, e.g.:

• Glass jar with lid
• Kitchen roll, paint rags
• Any drawing materials that you may already have

Please remember that on practical courses you may well need to purchase materials to complete projects.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including canvases, boards, oil paints and mediums, dippers, palettes, palette knives, brushes, sketchbooks and drawing mateirials, etc.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions