An Introduction to Oil Painting
Whether you're new to the medium or a seasoned painter in other media, Robyn’s very experienced approach to painting offers something for everyone to learn. With her gentle encouragement you will to start with drawing before progressing to oils, using art history and contemporary art references to help you find your chosen style.
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Description
Whether you're new to the medium or a seasoned painter, Robyn’s very experienced approach to painting offers something for everyone to learn. With her gentle encouragement you will to start with drawing before progressing to oils, using art history and contemporary art references to help you find your chosen style.
Embark on a transformative artistic journey in our Introduction to Oil Painting course. Designed for all skill levels, this immersive course delves into the core elements of drawing and painting, teaching fundamental concepts like perspective, negative space, tonal variation, line dynamics, composition and colour theory through hands-on, practical application. Robyn will guide you in honing enhanced observational skills, deciphering the intricacies of light, tone, and shadows. Immerse yourself in diverse painting techniques from textured impasto to glazing, dry brush and chiaroscuro, drawing inspiration from influential artists. Explore the rich tapestry of art history, refining your technical skills and cultivating a unique artistic voice.
Course outline
- Session 1: Drawing – composition, quality of line, negative space, line, tone, shadow, weight, perspective.
- Session 2: An Introduction to Oils and Colour theory
- Session 3: Transferring the drawing to canvas; underpainting
- Sessions 4 and onwards: Developing the painting; various techniques and approaches to painting.
- Students are encouraged to find their own unique way of working and will be mentored in this.
Expected learning outcomes
- Mastery of Fundamental Elements: Students will acquire a solid understanding of fundamental elements in drawing and painting, including perspective, negative space, tonal variation, line dynamics, and colour theory.
- Enhanced Observational Skills: Students will develop heightened observational skills, learning to interpret and replicate the interplay of light, tone, and shadows in their artwork. This increased perceptual acuity will form the foundation for more nuanced and sophisticated creations.
- Diverse Painting Techniques: Students will gain proficiency in a range of painting techniques, such as glazing for creating depth and chiaroscuro for mastering light and shadow. Through hands-on practice and exploration, learners will expand their artistic toolkit.
- Art Historical Appreciation: Students will deepen their appreciation for the rich tapestry of art history by studying and drawing inspiration from influential artists. By examining the works of masters, students will not only refine their technical skills but also develop a personal artistic voice informed by the diverse traditions that have shaped the art world.
- These learning outcomes ensure a well-rounded educational experience, equipping students with both technical skills and a broader understanding of the artistic context in which they are working.
Who should attend?
Perfect for all art enthusiasts, our Introduction to Oil Painting welcomes both beginners and seasoned artists. Whether you're exploring your creative potential or refining your skills, this course provides a supportive environment for all participants.
What to bring
Materials will be provided for the first class only. At that time, Robyn will explain the materials that students should buy for future classes. An approximate value of these will be $150. Visit Gordon Harris Art Supplies and mention you are attending a course at Selwyn Community Education, and they will offer a discount.
About your tutor
Robyn Penn is a South African-New Zealander artist with a background in both countries. After returning to New Zealand in 2020, she settled in Tāmaki Makaurau and pursues her art and teaching career here.
For more than 20 years, Robyn has passionately educated students, as young as five years old, in Fine Arts and creative thinking. Her students consistently achieve top awards and distinctions in Visual Art and Design, often progressing to prestigious tertiary institutions.
Apart from private art classes, Robyn is involved in community art projects, aiming to promote art and creativity within communities. She initiated and facilitated children's art education programs at WITS Art Museum and the Turbine Art Fair in Johannesburg. She also conducted pro-bono workshops for underprivileged children in South Africa. Robyn is part of the Creatives in Schools Programme, collaborating with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatū Taonga, and Creative New Zealand. In 2022, she collaborated with Good Shepherd School to create a large ceramic mural with 200 junior school students.
Robyn's artistic practice spans drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and film installations. Her work focuses on the natural world, time's elusive nature, and the sublime. She received her training from the University of the Witswatersrand and Canterbury University, Ilam. She is a fellow of the Ampersand Trust and exhibits internationally, with pieces in collections across the world, including works in the Victoria and Albert Collection, UK and The Smithsonian, USA.
Sample student artworks from February 2024 course:
