introduction to oil painting

Studio classes.

Course duration
10 weeks

Tutor: Tanja
For any information regarding the programme, payments or how to join, please get in touch with her at:
email: artclasslondon@tanjahassel.com
mobile: 07872 174231

Course Overview:
Discover the joy of colour and expression in this 10-week introduction to oil painting.
Rooted in classical foundations of tone, light, and composition, this small-group course offers hands-on guidance as you learn to mix harmonious colours, build
depth and texture, and bring your ideas to life on canvas. Each session combines demonstrations, practical exercises, and personal feedback in a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

Time
18.00 – 21.00

Days
Tuesday

Course Description

Step into the rich world of colour, texture, and light with this inspiring 10-week introduction to oil painting. Designed for beginners and improvers alike, this course offers a friendly, structured journey into one of the most expressive and rewarding mediums.
Drawing on classical foundations of observation, tone, and composition, each session will gently guide you through the building blocks of painting – from preparing your surface and mixing harmonious colours, to capturing light, depth, and atmosphere on canvas. You’ll discover timeless techniques used by the masters, while learning how to bring your own fresh, modern energy to them.

Through a blend of short demonstrations, guided exercises, and personal
exploration, you’ll learn to:

• Set up your materials and workspace with confidence
• Mix luminous colours using a limited palette
• Understand tone and value to create form and depth
• Experiment with brushwork, layering, and texture
• Build your own visual language rooted in classical technique

With small class sizes and individual guidance, there’s plenty of space to explore at your own pace and ask questions along the way.
By the end of the course, you’ll have developed the skills, insight, and confidence to continue your oil painting journey, with a strong foundation and the beginnings of your own portfolio.

Materials List
Art CLASS London is a white spirit and turpentine-free environment, and only odourless spirits, such as Zest-it or Sansodor, are permitted on the premises.

Painting paper is provided free of charge.
Canvases can be purchased at the studio or brought from home.

⚠️  Materials not provided: Please read through the list below to see what you’ll need to bring for the course.

You must bring:

• • 1 – 2 small jars with lids to hold your solvent, as this should be reused each week. If you want to dispose of your solvent, please speak to your tutor as these cannot be poured down the sink and must be disposed of correctly.
  • Please also bring an apron or old clothing to wear. Because oil paint takes longer to dry, the school’s aprons are reserved for acrylic paint only to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Oil paints:
    o Titanium White
    o Lemon Yellow (cool)
    o Yellow Ochre (warm)
    o Alizarin Crimson (cool)
    o Cadmium Red Medium (warm)
    o Cerulean Blue (cool)
    o Ultramarine Blue (warm)
    o Raw Umber
  • Brushes:
    o Mix of filbert brushes with long handles
    o Synthetic is fine
  • Palette knife
  • Palette
    o tear away or wooded
    o at least A4 size, ideally a little bigger
  • Odour-free solvent
  • Plastic container with lid and a smaller container inside to keep paint fresh between weeks
  • Linseed Oil

We’re currently arranging a student discount with a local art shop — if confirmed, details will be emailed before the course begins.