Oils and Acrylics techniques

Information & Support

You need to have attended previous classes or feel confident in basic painting skills in order to get the most out of this class.

What do I need to bring to the course?

Students are required to use a ‘solvent-free’ painting kit for the benefit of fellow students and for ease of cleaning brushes etc – therefore students may paint in acrylics or ‘water-mixable oils’. It is worth checking online reviews of a number of brands to choose one that best suits your budget and requirements. Paints may be bought individually or as a set.

Your acrylic or oil kit should include tubes with the following colours or similar:

• A warm yellow and a cool yellow (lemon)
• A warm red (Vermilion) and a cool red (Alizarin Crimson)
• A warm blue (French Ultramarine) and a cool blue (Prussian or Cerulean)
• Viridian Green
• Titanium white, Ivory black
• Useful neutrals: Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber
• Useful optional colours: Naples Yellow, Buff Titanium, Paynes Grey, Raw Sienna, Violet, Magenta

You will also need:

• At least 6 brushes in a range of sizes
• An apron or shirt to protect clothes
• Kitchen towel or cloth to wipe brushes
• Containers for water – one for cleaning brushes and another for clean painting water
• Surface to paint on – a pad of oil paint paper (A4 to A3). Canvas board or canvas. Acrylic paint may also be used on thick paper for some exercises.

You may wish to bring your own easel or table easel and a plastic sheet or newspaper to protect it.

There is a coffee room in the centre.

Additional course costs.
Costs are limited to your art materials only and advice will be given to keep this to a minimum.

Please note that A1 and A2 sheets of drawing paper are available to purchase at the Centre.

Courses are run continually, and you will be able to join these to further develop your skills.