This course is about exploring the landscape through drawing and painting. Students can following a step-by-step approach or continue painting at their own pace. We will cover different painting techniques - including tonal underpainting, glazing, scumbling, dry brushing and ‘alla prima’ (wet-in-wet). Students will also learn the basics of colour theory, tone and brush-work, and explore how to unearth their own creative instincts to capture the landscape.
Your tutor Michael Simms is a finalist in the 2023 Archibald Prize. He is a multi-award winning artist based in Sydney whose work is characterised by dream-like depictions of the human figure and Australian landscape. His classes consist of painting demonstrations, talks and individual feedback. Students will paint from a combination of master copies, photo reference.
Image credits: Michael Simms: Umberumberka Reservoir_Oil on canvas_51x51cm_2021
Suitable for all skill levels, the course will explore the following:
- Tone and colour theory.
- Laying a strong foundation for a painting
- Painting techniques, rangeing from ‘alla-prima’ to building up layers, glazing and scumbling.
- Lighting, atmosphere, expression, and how to build confidence in your creative instincts.
Students will complete a series of painted studies or major work over the course - depending on your experience and pace.
This course is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced students who wish to learn how to paint with oils.
This is the recommended materials list. Don't buy anything knew if you already have your own kit, bring what you have and your tutor can work with you.
• 1 bottle of odourless solvent (Gamsol preferred).
• 1 small bottle of Safflower oil (Gamblin 200ml).
• At least 2 empty jars with lids for your solvent.
• A palette knife
• Willow charcoal and kneadable eraser
• Rags and a roll of paper towel
• Palette (40 x 30 white perspex is ideal or a 'disposable palette')
• Brushes: flat brushes, sizes 4, 10, 20 or similar.
• Students will need at least 2 canvases to work on throughout the term. Fredrix Canvas pads are ideal for quality painting sketches (at least 305mm x 407mm), or canvas boards. Paintwell canvasses also available to purchase from Art Est.
• One stretched canvas for a larger work (420 x 600mm ideal).
• Oil painting colours: titanium white, raw umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, ivory black, spectrum yellow, ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson.
Note: We recommend buying 'artist quality' paints (Art Spectrum oils are a good, reasonably priced brand) or brands that have a 'student quality' (Winsor & Newton).
Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.
Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.
To learn about our studios, amenites and how to get there, click here.
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