back to all workshops > introduction to oil painting
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APPLICATIONS CLOSED

DATES: 31 March to 3 April 2023    |   4 days, 24 instructed hours total
TIMES: 9:30 to 16:30 (lunch from 12:30 to 13:30)
INSTRUCTOR: Mischa Tranquilli
LANGUAGE: English
LIMIT: 12 students maximum
COST: € 520
INCLUDED WITH COST: Daily lunch & refreshments, (some) canvas, easels
NOT INCLUDED: Painting materials (see below), accommodation, travel fare
RECOMMENDED LEVEL: This course is intended for students who are new to painting in oils, or have some experience but wish to improve their technical knowledge

ABOUT THIS COURSE

• Overview

• Materials

• Schedule

• Financial Aid

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• Course Description

  Are you new to oil painting and curious how to get started? Or perhaps you already have some experience, but would like to broaden your technical knowledge? This workshop is ideal for you!
  
  This course covers a variety of fundamental principles of oil painting, including:
  
  

  • The correct usage of basic materials (palettes, brushes, mediums);
  • General safety practices (how to clean brushes properly, working safely with toxic pigments, and more); 
  • Examining the technical properties of commonly used pigments;
  • The purpose of toning a canvas and how to apply this to your work effectively;
  • Understanding the "fat over lean" rule;
  • What causes "sinking in" and how to remedy it;
  • How to correctly varnish a painting;
  • The basics of color theory and color mixing;
  • How to handle and apply paint confidently working from direct observation.

  
  The course begins with an in-depth lecture covering a wide range of technical topics: from understanding how to read the label on a tube of oil paint, applying an imprimatura, palette organization, and much more.
  
  Over the first two days of the course, students will complete simple tone and color exercises to become familiar with the basics of effective color mixing and paint application. During the second half of the workshop, students will apply everything they have learned to painting a traditional still life (from real life - not from photos.)
  
  By the end of this course, students will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of oil painting, to develop their personal work further;
  • Learn about the technical aspects of oil painting, which will lead to safer practices and more informed decisions at the art supply store;
  • Take home a finished still life painting ready to frame.​
• Course Materials

  To download the Materials List as a PDF document, please click the button above.
  ​The following materials are required for participation in this course.
  
  Buying supplies at DARA?
  Items on the list marked * are available to buy at the atelier.
  
  
  

  OIL COLORS
  Paints should be ''Artist / Professional'' quality. No ''Student'' quality paints please.

  • Titanium White
  • Cadmium Red Medium
  • Yellow Ochre Pale
  • Ivory Black
  • Raw Umber

  ​
  PAINT MEDIUMS

  • * Linseed Oil
  • * Gamsol

  ​Gamsol is the only solvent allowed for use in the studio.
  
  CANVAS

  • 1 canvas size 24 x 30 cm, fine-weave cotton or linen

  ​All other canvas used for this workshop is provided by the studio.
  

  PAINTERS TOOLS

  • Wooden palette
  • Palette knife
  • Metal palette cups
  • 1 clean empty glass jar for brush cleaning (optional: for a better cleaning tool, consider an airtight brush washer)
  • Paper towels
  • 1 roll painters tape
  • Notebook
  • Optional: latex gloves
    

  ​
  BRUSHES

  • At least 1-2 round bristle brushes, medium to large size
  • A variety of filbert bristle brushes, small to large sizes
  • A variety of round sable or synthetic-hair brushes, in small to medium sizes
  • A variety of filbert sable or synthetic-hair brushes, in small to large sizes
• Workshop Schedule

  STUDIO HOURS
  

  • 9:00 | Studio doors open
  • 9:30 to 12:30 | Morning lessons
  • 12:30 to 13:30 | Lunch break
  • 13:30 to 16:30 | Afternoon lessons
  • 17:00 | Studio closed

  On the final day of the course, DARA offers an end-of-workshop apéritif with light drinks and snacks from 17:00 to 19:00.
  
  LESSON SCHEDULE
  Day 1

  • Morning | Lecture: Introduction to oil painting: a history of oil paints, and the technical properties of oils and painters' tools;
  • Afternoon | Demo & Practice: Tonal value exercise

  
  Day 2

  • Morning | Lecture: Introduction to color theory, color mixing, and palette organization;
  • Afternoon | Demo & Practice: Color mixing / color chart exercise

  
  Day 3

  • Morning | Demo & Practice: Color matching exercise, modeling light & form
  • Afternoon | Practice: Start of still life paintings (block-in)

  
  Day 4

  • Morning & Afternoon | Practice: Completion of still life paintings​​
• Financial Aid

  ​You may be eligible for funding for this workshop from Werktuig PPO (permanente professionele ontwikkeling, or “continuous professional development”) if the following applies to you:

  • You are employed by a Dutch company or organization in the creative or cultural sector.
  • You are a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands in the creative or cultural sector.

   
  How can I check if I am eligible?
  Businesses within the creative or cultural sectors are categorized by SBI code.
  The list of eligible SBI codes can be found here.
  
  How does this funding scheme work?
  Werktuig PPO finances one-third of the total cost of the course, with the remaining amount to be contributed by you or your employer.
  Are you interested in enrolling in multiple courses at DARA? Werktuig PPO offers a maximum contribution of € 2000 in funds per 12 months.
  
  How can I apply?
  Apply online at: https://werktuigppo.nl/
  Applications must be submitted by students. DARA is not affiliated with Werktuig PPO and cannot apply on a student’s behalf. Questions regarding this funding scheme may be emailed to info@werktuigppo.nl
   
  Can students at DARA apply for the STAP budget?
  Not at this time.
  
  Are there any other discounts or scholarships available for workshops at DARA?
  Not at this time.