Oil Painting: Monday Evening

Mondays, 7-9pm

Suitable for complete beginners as well those new to oil painting, this step-by-step course will simplify and demystify oil painting, giving students the confidence to start using this vibrant and versatile medium independently.

Focusing on still life, the course will feature demonstrations and exercises at each stage. You will learn how to recognise tonal values, mix colours, and apply paint confidently and dynamically. In the second half of the course students will put this knowledge into practice, completing a painting on canvas to take home. The course will focus on painting from observation, although the techniques learned could be applied to any style of art.

Alongside the practical activities we will learn about some of the materials, processes, and equipment involved in oil painting: grounds and supports; pigments and mediums; brushes, easels, palette knives, etc. The course will take a safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach – minimising the use of solvents*, avoiding toxic pigments, and offering some tips and tricks to keep expense to a minimum.

All materials provided. 

Week 1: Painting dark to light

Through a practical still life exercise we will learn how to recognise tonal shapes, mix tonal values, and how to apply oil paint.

Week 2: Colour!

We will learn how to accurately mix almost any colour from a limited ‘primary’ palette.

Week 3: Drawing in Proportion

We will learn some techniques for establishing accurate underdrawings.

Weeks 4-7: Final Piece

Work on an independent painting with tutor support (subject matter of your choice).

* We will use a low-odour, non-toxic alternative to turpentine called Zest It. However, if you are particularly sensitive to solvents the course might not be suitable.

What we provide

All the materials required are included in the cost of the course. We provide:

• Oil paint
• A selection of hog brushes
• A palette
• Palette knives
• Oil paper
• ‘Zest-it’ dilutant and brush cleaner
• Nitrile gloves

What you should bring

Please bring an apron, old shirt, or overalls. Oil paint will stain clothing and is not easily removed. You may also wish to bring a sketchbook for taking notes and drawing.

About the tutor

Tom Varley has extensive experience teaching Art in Design in schools, colleges, and galleries. Tom graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2008 with a degree in Painting and Printmaking. He completed an MFA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths in 2017 and holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Art Education. Tom was the recipient of the Drawing Room Bursary Award in 2012, a Goldsmiths Postgraduate Scholarship in 2015, and the Chelsea Arts Club Trust Award in 2016. His work has been supported by the Elephant Trust, Creative Scotland, Jerwood Visual Arts, and the Arts Trust of Scotland among others. Tom’s work has been shown in group exhibitions and screenings at venues including: Centre for Contemporary Art Glasgow; DIY Space for London; Whitechapel Art Gallery; Cooper Gallery Dundee; PS2 Belfast; Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum; Ciné 13 Théâtre Paris; MUPO Oaxaca; Global Committee New York; Volksbuehne Pavilion Berlin; ICA London; Rhubaba Edinburgh; and the Drawing Room London. Tom has had solo exhibitions at Tramway Glasgow, Collective Gallery Edinburgh, and Glasgow Project Room.

We offer a 10% discount on weekly classes for students, people with disabilities, unemployed people and arts workers. Use code FAC175 at check out.