Fundamentals of Painting in Oils or Acrylics for Beginners with Jackson Davies

This course is your gateway to the world of painting, whether you prefer oils or acrylics. Designed for artists of all levels- especially beginners, you’ll be guided through a variety of engaging exercises aimed at building your confidence and enhancing your painting skills. From mastering the basics to developing your personal style, you’ll also have the opportunity to work on your own projects with the expert mentorship of award-winning artist, Jackson.

Work at your own pace in a relaxed and welcoming studio environment, where creativity and learning flow together.

Jackson holds a Master of Cultural Materials Conservation and has an in-depth understanding of artist materials, tools, and techniques. His teaching is enriched by his experience as a practising artist, represented by Art2Muse in Woollahra. You’ll benefit from his knowledge, whether you’re just starting or seeking to refine your craft.

What To Expect

• Knowledge of traditional painting techniques
• How to use essential painting materials and tools for oil or acrylic
• An understanding of tone, composition, and colour.
• Access to valuable online resources

Is this course right for me?

This class is suitable for anyone interested in learning about traditional painting practices. Both oil and acrylic painters of all levels are welcome. Above all, this class is perfect for individuals who want to extend their oil painting skills and knowledge in a positive teaching environment.

High School students in year 10 and above are encouraged to attend this class.

What students will achieve

Students will :

• Gain in-depth knowledge of oil painting practices
• An understanding of oil and/or acrylic painting techniques 
• Learn the fundamentals of painting practice and history by working on the following exercises: Still life, Portraiture, Old Master copy, Project of your own choosing

Material List

We will work with what you have but below are recommended materials.

Oil and Acrylic Painters

• Canvas support: stretched canvas/linen, canvas paper, canvas pads, primed board. Any size, but preferably portrait/landscape format.
• Brushes: any that you already own. You will need round-shaped brushes, preferably bristle. Sizes: 1, 4, 8. Get 3 or 4 of each size. Please feel free to bring any brushes that you already own
• Soft Rags,  paper towels
• Palette: wooden or disposable
• Please also bring a packet of sanitiser wipes for cleaning your work table

Paint colours

• Titanium white
• Raw umber
• Cadmium red
• Cadmium yellow
• Ultramarine Blue
• Alizarin
• Lamp black

(You can substitute cadmium colours for spectrum). Other useful colours include: zinc white, viridian, yellow ochre, burnt umber, raw sienna, terre verte. Please bring any colours that you may have or that you enjoy using.)

Oil Painters:

• Linseed oil or lean medium
• Stand Oil
• Solvent: Only odourless solvent (such as Artist Spectrum Odourless Solvent or Gamsol) please do not bring any regular turpentine or industrial turpentine.
• Lidded jars for oil and solvent

Acrylic Painters

• At least 100ml linseed oil 
• 100ml odourless solvent (artist spectrum is a good brand) and a lidded jam jar.
• Acrylic medium eg: Jo Sonja flow medium 250ml

About studio classes

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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