Whether you're new to the medium or a seasoned painter, Andrew’s experienced approach to oil painting offers guidance and inspiration for every level.
Whether you're new to the medium or a seasoned painter, Andrew’s experienced approach to oil painting offers guidance and inspiration for every level.
With his gentle encouragement, you will begin with drawing before progressing to oils, developing confidence through clear, practical instruction rooted in traditional painting methods.
Embark on a hands-on artistic journey in this introductory oil painting course. Designed for all skill levels, the course explores the foundational elements of drawing and painting, including perspective, negative space, tonal variation, line dynamics, composition, and colour theory. Andrew will help you strengthen your observational skills and develop a deeper understanding of light, tone, and shadow.
Building on these fundamentals, you'll be introduced to traditional oil painting techniques with a particular focus on alla prima (wet-on-wet) painting. You'll experiment with direct painting, controlled brushwork, impasto, and tonal modelling while developing your own artistic style with individual guidance throughout the course.
This course uses traditional oil painting materials, including solvent-based brush cleaners and mediums. Low-odour products are used where possible, but participants who are sensitive to fumes or chemicals should contact us before enrolling.
Session 1
Composition, quality of line, negative space, tone, shadow, weight, and perspective.
Session 2
Introduction to oil paints, colour theory, materials, brush care, and cleaning techniques.
Session 3
Preparing the canvas, transferring drawings, and underpainting techniques.
Session 4
Developing the painting through underpainting and building structure.
Session 5
Working with light and shadow (chiaroscuro), refining forms, building mid-tones, and softening edges.
Session 6
Adding final details, varnishing, preserving finished artwork, and preparing paintings for display.
Students receive individual mentoring throughout the course and are encouraged to develop their own unique artistic approach.
By the end of this course, you will:
Materials will be provided for the first class only. During that session, Andrew will explain which materials you'll need for future classes. The approximate cost of materials is $150. Students can receive a discount at Gordon Harris Art Supplies by mentioning they are attending a Selwyn Community Education course.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Whether you're exploring oil painting for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you'll find a supportive and encouraging environment.
Andrew Ockleston is an experienced oil painter and art tutor whose teaching combines traditional painting methods with practical, encouraging instruction. His supportive approach helps students of all experience levels build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and develop their own artistic style.
Information and logo sourced from the Selwyn Community Education website.
