BEGINNER OIL PAINTING

~ An 8‑Part Introductory Course ~

This introductory oil painting course is designed for those new to painting or returning after a long break. Through guided studio practice, participants will develop core skills in tone, colour, and composition, while enjoying the fellowship of a small, creative community. Each two-hour session builds confidence while introducing the practical techniques of oil painting. The final bonus session includes a group exhibition to celebrate the work — nothing is for sale, no pressure, just celbrating the process.

Course Highlights:

Class 1 – Learning to See: Tonal Values in Black & White
We begin by exploring the foundational concept of tone through a black-to-white value scale. Participants learn how to distinguish and mix tonal shifts using only black and white paint, training their eyes to identify light and shadow — the basis of all successful painting.

Class 2 – Sphere Study: Blocking In Light & Form
Using a simple reference image of a sphere under direct light, we begin translating our tonal knowledge into paint. With an emphasis on blocking in major shapes and shadows, this class focuses on understanding light source, cast shadow, and form.

Class 3 – Refining the Sphere: Edges, Blending & Depth
We continue working on our sphere study, learning how to refine edges, soften transitions, and create a sense of roundness and realism. Blending techniques and brush handling are introduced in more detail, allowing for greater control.

Class 4 – Final Touches & Tonal Mastery
In our final black-and-white session, we push our painting toward completion. Special attention is given to highlights, reflected light, and subtle shifts in value. We end with a short discussion on how tonal studies support more complex colour work.

Class 5 – Entering Colour: Mixing & the Colour Wheel
This session is all about colour theory. Participants mix their own colour wheels and explore the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary hues. We also learn about warm vs cool tones and the emotional impact of colour in composition.

Class 6 – Still Life in Colour: Planning the Painting
Building on our colour theory, we introduce a simple still life (fruit, cloth, objects). Students sketch compositions and begin underpainting, using a limited palette. Emphasis is placed on simplifying shapes and observing colour relationships.

Class 7 – Still Life Continued: Form, Light & Harmony
We continue developing our still life paintings, refining shapes and layering colour. Participants gain confidence in colour mixing, tonal balance, and edge control — all while bringing depth and life to their paintings.

Class 8 – Finishing Touches & Final Prep
This session is all about resolution — final highlights, last glazes, and thoughtful compositional tweaks. We also prepare our work for presentation in the final exhibition, discussing titling, hanging, and how to talk about your process.

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Exhibition – A Celebration of the Process
The course ends with a relaxed, community-driven pop-up exhibition. Each participant will display a selection of works - from sketches and studies to final paintings - in a casual, non-commercial setting. It’s a celebration of growth, creativity, and shared experience.

Meet your instructor

Christopher Webb is an internationally recognized, award-winning artist and art educator. His work has been exhibited across Canada and Europe, including a recent show at Marina Bastianello Gallery (Venice, 2026) following his receipt of the CREA - Cantieri Del Contemporaneo Venezia Prize for Painting. Click this link to learn more about Christopher and his art practice.

“Christopher’s classes are a game-changer for any artist ready to level up. His expert instruction and supportive mentorship have helped me grow not just as a painter but as a professional artist. Christopher combines technical excellence with real-world insight into the business of art—something rarely found in one teacher.

Best of all, his classes are fun, energizing, and filled with inspiration. His international experience and unique perspective have continually pushed me to create fresher, more dynamic work.”

~ Cheryl Flemming