Oil Painting for Beginners I

In week one, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and blocking in a subject. Charles explains the key concepts of gesture, shape design, and composition. You will watch as he provides a rundown of the materials needed for the course.

In week two, Charles will guide you through the process of painting a still-life using only black and white. You will learn to create a setup to work from life. Charles will demonstrate how to mix colors and separate your still-life into different values.

In week three, you will apply a black and white palette to painting the figure. Charles will teach you how to render forms and create lighting effects in your painting. You will also learn to adjust compositions and render facial features.

In week four, Charles will introduce you to the Zorn palette and explain how to use it in a figure painting. You will learn the benefit of working with a limited color. Charles will show you how to mix flesh tones and establish a focal point in your painting.

In week five, you will learn to create a costumed figure painting using the Zorn palette. Charles will demonstrate how to paint an entire scene: from the figure, and drapery, to the environment. You will discover how to build up texture throughout the painting.

In week six, Charles will teach you how to create a multi-session still-life painting. He will walk you through how to lay out a full-color palette and create color harmony with it. You will discover how to block in the major shapes of the still-life.

In week seven, Charles will show you how to complete a still-life painting. You will learn to make changes to improve your still-life. Charles will demonstrate how to create cohesive shape designs within your painting.

In week eight, Charles will show you how to paint a figure from life in an outdoor environment. He will demonstrate which elements to capture when time is limited to the constantly changing natural light. You will discover how to harmonize the flesh tones with the environment.