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• • Foundations in Oils

    Anyone can paint if they are given the right instructions." - Marcel Desbiens, Master Artist and Principal Tutor

    If you have never picked up a paintbrush before, this course will give you the technical skills and knowledge to help fast track your painting process and produce stunning works of art of your own. All in a friendly and supportive environment.

    The Course has been designed by Marcel Desbiens and has been developed over the years by the team including Ai Shah and Catherine Aboud.

    All materials are included. All you need to do is turn up!

    What will I learn?

    • how to set up your work station to minimise mess and maximise your painting time
    • understand basic principal of colour mixing and paint consistency
    • learn how to control tone to create the optical illusion of reality
    • how to choose the right brushes and develop effective brush techniques
    • how to clean and care for your brushes
    • learn to paint in the traditional glazing techniques of the old masters

    Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 12 students so that you will receive personal attention.

    In each class, your tutor will give a step-by-step demonstration, and then it’s your turn for “hands – on” painting exercises. Each exercise builds on the previous one so that each week your skills and confidence will grow a little more.

    By the end of week 4 you will have created this!

    {image name:“Apple_StudentExample” align:“centre” caption:“Cinnamon Eacott, Foundation in Oils Student”}

    Who is this course suitable for?

    This foundation course is perfect for absolute beginners or for those who want to brush up on the fundamental techniques of oil painting. 90% of students who enrol in this course either have never picked up a paintbrush or have minimal painting experience. However, others who have painted before have also come along and found that they learned so much more about oil painting techniques.

    The Foundation in Oils course is a prerequisite for the Gain Confidence in Oils course.

    What do I need to bring?

    A notebook and pen is optional for note taking

    What is provided

    All the materials you will need for this course will be provided, including:
    • prepared gesso boards for painting exercises 
    • PDF booklet, packed with painting tips and tricks
    • all the paints and brushes you will need.
    • Access to reference photos to practice at home.
    • table, chairs, easels, aprons
    • tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own mug)
    • a friendly and supportive environment
    • connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community.

    Receive a FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours!

    And if you would like to practise your new skills at home, we have Oil Painting Starter Kits available for purchase, which contain everything you need for creating your own painting set up at home, and save you the time and money of sourcing everything yourself.

    What Our Students Say About Foundations in Oils

    "A great art course! Highly recommended for beginners or those that want to learn more skills. I did the 8 week oil paining course and was surprised on the quality produced by the class (including myself : ). Marcel is a great teacher. Well paced and a good atmosphere. Paint on!"

    • Mark Allen Brisbane Painting Classes regular student

    {image name:“GalleryImage_FoundationsInOils” align:“centre” caption:“Images from previous Foundations In Oils Courses”}

  • Gain Confidence in Oils | Marcel Desbiens

    The Gain Confidence in Oils is a natural progression from the Foundations in Oils course. You will reinforce your fundamental skills by painting on different materials and in different styles, as well as learn new skills and start your own project.

    The prerequisite for this course is the Foundations in Oils, or an equivalent skill level.

    What will I learn?

    More skills and techniques in oil painting, including:

    • preparing your own surface to paint on
    • painting on canvas
    • more about composition
    • layering and glazing
    • work on your personal painting project

    Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 12 students so that you will receive personal attention.

    In each class, your tutor will give a step-by-step demonstration, followed by painting exercises to complete with personalised guidance and feedback from your tutor. Each exercise builds on the previous one, so that by the end of the course you will have created your own work in the style of your choice.... and have extended your skills and confidence in painting with oils.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    The Gain Confidence in Oils course is for those who have completed the Foundation in Oils course, or who have equivalent skills and experience.
    Talk to our friendly team if you are not sure if this course if for you.

    What do I need to bring?

    You will need to bring your paint set from the Foundation in Oils course, or speak to us if you don’t have one. Also, bring a notebook and pen.

    What is provided?

    • fabric and prepared gesso boards for painting exercises 
    • tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own mug)
    • a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
    • connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community

    {image name:“GalleryImage_GainConfidenceInOIls” align:“centre” caption:“Photos from previous Gain Confidence course”}

  • Untutored Life Drawing

    The Life Drawing casual classes offer artists of all levels the opportunity to develop their life drawing skills in an untutored environment.

    We provide a spacious air conditioned /heated room and a professional life model who will pose in a variety of short and long poses.

    What will I learn?

    This is an untutored class for you to further your own practice. No experienced is required.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    Artists of all levels who want to practice their drawing skills. Absolute beginners are welcome as well as experienced artists.

    What do I need to bring?

    Bring your drawing materials. Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top up or are just starting out.

    Six Class Pass

    You can purchase a 6 class pass for the price of 5 and save $20. To purchase one today, please click on the link below:
    Purchase a 6 class pass

    What is provided?

    • a professional life model
    • easels
    • backing boards
    • chairs
    • tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own water bottle and cup)
    • a friendly and supportive environment
    • connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community.

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