Tuition

Unless you’re an experienced painter seeking help with a specific technique (such as alla prima), lessons tend to follow a structured path. We begin with a pencil draft to map out composition and form, then develop a monochromatic underpainting to establish value structure, and finally build up to working in full colour.

Depending on the complexity of your subject, paintings usually take around 6–12 hours to complete. 

I strongly encourage setting aside some time to practice between classes. Revisiting techniques at home helps consolidate what you’ve learned, makes the skills “stick,” and means we can progress to refining more challenging aspects in our lessons together.

It’s worth noting that learning to paint isn’t like following a recipe for guaranteed results — it’s more similar to training as a classical dancer or musician. Your eye becomes more attuned to form and colour, your fine motor control improves with brushwork practice, and your ability to focus deeply over extended periods grows. It’s a gradual, rewarding process of building both skill and confidence.

The lesson fee includes a sheet of A3 oil painting paper and a drawing board for support, but you’ll need to bring your own paints, brushes, and low VOC solvent. You're also welcome to bring your own canvas or board, if you prefer to work on a particular surface.

The core oil pigments I suggest your bring are Titanium White, Cadmium Red (hue), Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow (hue), Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Raw Umber, Viridian, and Ivory Black. The best brushes for learning oil painting are a selection of long-handled hog and synthetic sable brushes with round, flat, filbert, and bright tips.

Please note that only low-VOC solvents are permitted in the studio: so, no turpentine or white spirits, instead I recommend Gamsol/ Pure-Sol, Liquin or Zest-It (see Materials Guide). 

For more in-depth information on materials, please have a look at Materials Guide on the ‘Working with Oil Paint’ page.