Intro to Oil or Acrylic Paint - Spring 2026

Date: Wednesdays from 28 January, 7:00 -9:00pm
Course length: 10 sessions* 
Tutor: Christopher Holloway 
Level: beginner/ intermediate  

This course will explore technical aspects of painting in oil or acrylic with a study of composition, colour, mixing practice and observation. Each class will guide you through the beginning steps of painting and how to use your materials to respond to different subject matter, leading you to create several paintings and studies throughout the course. 

The course will begin by exploring the basics of colour theory. We will learn how to control light by using colour and shade when applied to simple forms and basic shapes. Working towards more substantial compositions from observation you will develop an understanding of scale, structure, proportion and space, and how to create depth in your painting. Developing these formal elements at the beginning stages in your painting journey can be of great benefit in developing confidence in painting. Subject matter will include objects and still life, natural forms and interior spaces.

The course will be suitable for those who wish to develop their painting experience with oil or acrylic, whilst seeking tuition with regards to the technical and formal painting elements. This is a taught class within a supportive studio environment, where one to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout the experience. Relevant references to examples of both contemporary and historical works of art will be discussed to introduce concepts relevant to the class activities. 
What do students need to bring with them?
Students to bring with them: Student or Artist Quality Oil / Acrylic Colour: 

• Warm Red e.g - Cadmium Red 
• Cool Red e.g - Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red 
• Warm Blue e.g – Cerulean, Manganese or Pthalo Blue
• Cool Blue e.g - Ultramarine Blue
• Warm Yellow e.g - Cadmium Yellow
• Cool Yellow e.g - Lemon Yellow
• Yellow Ochre
• Viridian Green
• Titanium White
• Black

Students may bring additional colours if they wish.

Also: rags, palette, palette knives, masking tape, flat and or round brushes - if possible sizes 2, 4 and 8, low odour artist white spirit or turpentine (for oil painters), brush washing jar, drawing materials (pencil, charcoal, eraser), an apron may be useful.

Various sized surfaces to paint onto such as – Primed canvas, canvas board, primed oil paper / acrylic paper pad, primed boards, whichever you feel comfortable using.
*Please note that there will be break week Wednesday 18 February (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Wednesday 8th April