Instructor: Fine Artist Randy Groden
This six-week course offers a practical foundation in oil painting while providing experienced painters with individualized instruction. Students will learn or strengthen color mixing, values, composition, brushwork, edges, paint application, and the development of a painting from the initial block-in through completion.
Students will begin by bringing several photographic images clipped from magazines. I will help them determine which images will translate successfully into paintings and teach them what separates a strong, well-planned photograph from a poorly composed reference.
They will learn how to crop, rearrange, simplify, strengthen values, and establish a focal point rather than merely copying what the camera recorded. Students will also learn how to frame and plan subjects through the camera, select effective viewpoints and lighting, and take their own reference photographs, with the ultimate goal of creating original reference material intentionally designed for their future paintings.
The course will also include an introduction to the professional side of being an artist. Students will begin considering how to present themselves, write or speak about their work, determine appropriate pricing, and approach galleries and exhibition opportunities in a professional and informed manner.
These topics may be expanded upon in future classes for students who wish to pursue them further. Questions may be directed to me at randygroden@me.com.
Oil Painting Supply List
Randy Groden Painting Classes
This practical starter palette supports color mixing, drawing, value studies, and finished paintings without requiring an oversized collection of materials.
Before you buy Bring materials you already own before replacing them. Comparable brands and colors are welcome. You can purchase large prepackaged sets with all the suggested colors then add larger tubes as you go of colors you use the most.
Oil Colors
• Titanium White, large tube
• Cadmium Yellow Light Hue or Hansa Yellow Light
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium Red Light Hue or Pyrrole Red
• Permanent Alizarin Crimson
• Ultramarine Blue
• Phthalo Blue or Prussian Blue
• Burnt Sienna
Brushes
• Firm bristle or synthetic flats and filberts in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8
• One small round brush and one 1 inch flat brush
Surfaces and Equipment
• Three primed canvases, 11x14” inches or a little larger, for the first classes
• A 12 x 16 inch palette, disposable palette pad, or sealable palette box
• Palette knife, paper towels or cotton rags, apron, and a small trash bag
• Small bottle of refined linseed oil or walnut oil
• Artist grade odorless mineral spirits, such as Gamblin Gamsol; bring a leakproof brush washer with a secure lid
• Brush soap for cleanup; turpentine, water Gamblin Gamsol or hardware store solvents
Bring to the First Class
• 2B pencil and a kneaded eraser
• Two or three clear reference images that you have an interest in painting. We will discuss and choose the best.
Studio care Do not allow any paint to dry in brushes. Wipe excess paint onto a paper towel before rinsing, and always remember you do not pour paint solids of any kind into the sink. Keep solvent containers closed when they are not in use. Do not pour solvents down a drain or leave oil soaked rags crumpled together. Follow the studio's disposal protocols.