Beginner Oil Painting Class | Sculptural (Four Weeks)

Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate
Class length: Four weeks
Medium: Oil painting through studies of monochromatic sculpture
Instructor: Michael Morgan

$100 for not-yet-members, $80 for Roberson Members. Discounts available when purchasing tuition for this class and the Still Life Oil Painting Class.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLASS.

Working from a high-quality reference image of a classical bust or sculpture provided by the instructor, students will learn how to translate three-dimensional form into paint while developing an understanding of value, light, and form while learning how painters have built images through layered oil painting techniques for centuries. Each week will begin with a short presentation introducing examples from historical and contemporary painting, followed by demonstrations of traditional techniques including underpainting, glazing, scumbling, and indirect painting. Students will then spend the majority of class developing a single painting with individualized instruction and feedback tailored to their experience level and artistic goals.

Over four weeks, students will develop one painting from the initial sketch through the final layers while learning to establish strong value relationships, build convincing form through transparent and opaque paint, create luminosity with glazing and scumbling, and understand how traditional oil painting methods can be adapted to a contemporary studio practice. Some previous drawing or painting experience is helpful but not required.

Week 1: Underpainting & Initial Sketch in Oil

• Sketch your composition directly on canvas using ultramarine blue or burnt sienna (or a combination), thinned with Gamsol.
• Focus on capturing major shapes, proportions, and value placement with transparent, luminous strokes.

Week 2: Glazing & Value Development

• Deepen your understanding of form and shadow by layering glazes with a medium like Galkyd.
• Practice mixing tints and shades using warm and/or cool whites to refine transitions and temperature variations.

Week 3: Further Glazing & Unifying Layers

Enhance dimension and unify your painting using transparent or semi-transparent glazes in your chosen hue.

Work toward a cohesive range of values and harmonious finishes.

Week 4: Scumbling, Final Touches & Group Critique

• Apply subtle scumbles and highlights for depth and luminosity.
• Receive personalized feedback in a final group critique, and celebrate the new techniques you’ve mastered.

SUPPLIES: Students are required to purchase their own supplied for this class.

• Paints
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Warm White (Gamblin briand)
  • Cool White (Gamblin briand)
• Canvas or Panel Choose a size you can comfortably finish in four weeks (e.g., 11×14, 16×20).
• Brushes A mix of flats, rounds, and filberts, small to medium size.
• Other Materials:
  • Palette (wood, glass, or disposable pads)
  • Palette knife (for mixing)
  • Rags or paper towels

Should you have any questions please contact Amy Marcho, Director of Education at amarcho@roberson.org, or at 607-772-0660, ext. 262