Brush up on oils
And never look back

This course is led by Artist/Educator and Art Coach Kirsty Kennedy and is suitable for students with some painting experience (acrylics or oils) as well as returners and self-taught improvers. Returners often studied art to GCSE or A’level grade.

Day 1
In the morning, we’ll cover the basics of oils including colour mixing, mediums, safety and requirments to ensure your painting lasts longer than you! We’ll also share some professional hints and tips before working on a still life to put theory into practice.

We’ll discuss a personal project and potentially make a start.

Day 2
On the second day, students work on their own project having moved on from the
basics. Time to follow the rules or break them depending on what you want to
do. We’re in Margate so why not a landscape or seascape, the research is
basically walking on a beach! But do look at all the options as oil is flexible
when thinned, retarded or part of a mixed media composition. Advanced
students will have free reign, but in the event of any student starting a second
piece we will allow an extra week for paint to be touch dry before taking away.
Class sizes are kept small to ensure that you receive plenty of individual

Class sizes are kept small to ensure that you receive plenty of individual support. 

TOPICS COVERED

• Equipment and materials needed including mediums
• Understanding the chemistry behind oils to ensure your painting will last longer than you.
• Safe studio practice
• Brush selection and care
• Painting supports
• How to lay a palette and basic colour mixing
• Painting mediums and how to handle them
• How to return to a painting once it has dried out
• Techniques to maximise progress in a single session
• An overview of different painting techniques and approaches (including some of the techniques employed by today’s leading practitioners)
• Professional tips to advance your painting

Students get to take home their work plus a set of notes which will enable continuation at home.

WHAT TO BRING

Includes basic materials but excludes canvases which can be purchased on the day. Advise will be given on where you can also buy these prior to the class start.

Do search out visual reference for day 2 if wishing to paint a landscape or seascape –  this might include a favourite personal scene. Do bring a selection of images as advise is given on the type of image that may work effectively and is appropriate according to your current level.