GGYS Oil Painting

The Landscape painting method used in our Beginning Oil Painting classes is known as wet-on-wet. The canvas is completely covered with a very thin coat of white paint (or sometimes clear!) so that subsequent additions of paint either blend beautifully or stick cleanly, as the artist chooses. Paintings are worked from back to front: skies are laid in first, background elements next, middle ground and then foreground. This gives the painter great freedom to construct the landscape one layer at a time, building depth and perspective. We never draw lines first with pencil.

Special attention is given to careful mixing of paint (for both consistency and color), proper brush loading and specific methods of paint application. (This arose from my own frustrations as a beginner, where instructions consisted of, “Paint on highlights.” With what thickness of paint? With what brush, loaded how? With what stroke?”) Work done at the palette is just as important as what happens on the canvas.

This method of painting is ideal for both beginners, and for those with more experience looking for a more spontaneous way of working. Paintings are completed in one session, ready to take home. Traditional methods of oil painting often require days or weeks of work. Working wet-on-wet allows the painter to capture an image swiftly, while interest and excitement is high. Anyone can paint using this method – you only need to be able to sign your name. The one prerequisite is the desire to learn.

We use no petroleum distillates in the studio. This means no traditional turpentine or paint thinner. Instead we use Turpenoid Natural, both as a brush cleaner and to thin paints to a workable consistency. Your health is important!

Individual oil painting classes are $60 per person, which includes a prepared canvas.

Click here to download a supply list.

(I generally have extra supplies on hand so you can often get them directly through me.)

Click here to email the studio to reserve your space in our next seminar.