Oil Painting (Intermediate Level)

This is a practical and ideas-based course. You will learn with the help of tutor demonstrations, groups discussion and individual tutorial guidance.

What The Course is About:

This is both a practical and ideas-based course. You will learn with the help of demonstrations, groups discussion and individual tutorials. The course is project-based, with projects usually running for a full term. Each project will combine technical explorations (e.g. colour, paint handling, media, surfaces, experimental materials, the different processes of starting and building a painting), with a development of your own style and ideas. These projects allow for a flexible response, and are adaptable to differing student interests and levels of experience. Working with a range of sources such as direct observation, gallery visits, photography and film, we will look at how images can be collected and developed, and how to identify your interests and produce work you are happy with. We will discuss the work of both historical and contemporary painters, and consider what we can learn from their processes and ideas in developing our own, individual voices. This is an exciting time in painting, and our sessions will reflect some of that excitement.

Materials Required:

Be ready to paint right from Week 1! You will be sent a materials list when you enrol, as well as the term’s project. We have a school shop, where you can buy all the basics you want. You’ll need the paints and brushes given on the materials list, Zest-it (NOT white spirit or turps), linseed oil, painting surfaces as set out in the project, rags and or kitchen roll, and a palette (you can buy tracing paper for this from the school shop). A sketchbook will also be needed.

Previous Experience:

You should ideally have at least some initial oil painting experience, and a working knowledge of the basics of colour mixing and paint handling; your tutor will help you where you feel uncertain. A willingness to take risks and experiment is the main thing to bring to the course.

End of course:

You can continue with the course, progress to the advanced class, explore other courses at PSAD, go on to further study including foundation, BA and MA, or develop your own independent practice. Your tutor will help you with all these decisions. New techniques and working processes will be introduced, but the emphasis will shift towards a more in-depth focus on developing a personal language so that you are able to work independently if you wish.