SINEAD LAWLESS| INDIRECT PAINTING
online tutorial Summary
Join artist Sinead Lawless for a foundational journey into the art of oil painting. This course demystifies the flexible, forgiving medium used by masters for centuries. You will master the core "indirect method," learning to build a painting through deliberate layers.
Begin by creating a detailed tonal underpainting, learning to mix values, tone your canvas, and establish a strong composition in black and white. Then, refine your work by applying values dark to light, defining details, and using essential techniques like scraping back and blending edges. This process culminates in a finished monochromatic study, providing the perfect technical foundation for all your future color work. Build the skills and confidence to create beautiful, lasting artwork.
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Course FAQ
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The blocking-in process: How to apply pre-mixed grey values from dark to light to build form and volume.
Brushwork techniques: How to load your brush and apply paint effectively, and when to switch to smaller brushes for detail.
Working dark to light: The fundamental oil painting approach of establishing shadows first and adding highlights last.
Maintaining clean colours: The critical practice of thoroughly cleaning your brush between values to avoid muddy mixtures.
Making corrections: How to use a palette knife to scrape away paint and redefine shapes for accurate drawing.
Managing edges: The final step of blending with a clean, dry brush to create soft transitions and hard edges, enhancing the sense of three-dimensional form.
The complete workflow: From a basic tonal wash to a finished, detailed monochromatic underpainting ready for colour glazing.
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Paints:
Titanium White
Ivory Black
Brushes:
A range of flat brushes in different sizes (e.g., sizes 2, 4, and 6 are used in the demo).
Painting Surface:
Canvas paper or oil paper pad (specifically designed for oils; do not use cartridge paper).
A primed canvas or panel would also be suitable.
Palette & Mixing:
A flat palette made of wood, glass, or disposable paper. (Palettes with compartments are not suitable).
Palette Knife for clean mixing and scraping.
Solvents & Mediums:
Solvent such as Gamsol, Sansodor, or a plant-based alternative (like Michael Harding's Miracle Medium base).
A jar for the solvent.
Rags & Clean-Up:
Rags or paper towels for cleaning brushes, wiping the palette knife, and removing excess paint from the canvas.
Key Techniques & Tips Mentioned:
Solvent is used sparingly, only for the initial toning wash and drawing. The rest of the underpainting uses paint with no medium.
The palette should be a neutral tone (not white) for accurate value judgment.
Do not use your best brushes for the initial drawing/toning stage, as it can be rough on the hairs.
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Suitable for all levels - good understanding of the basic use of oil painting would be an advantage.
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The course is composed of two videos, a combined total of 47 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.
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What’s included in my purchase?
You’ll get unlimited access to this individual course, including all videos and supporting materials, for the full 3-month period.How does the 3-month access work?
This is a one-time payment that gives you access to the course for three months. There’s no automatic renewal - your access simply ends after the 3-month period.How do I access my course?
Once you’ve purchased the course, simply log in to your account at schoolhouseforart.com. Click on Account at the top right-hand side of the page, and your course will be available there.Can I extend my access after 3 months?
Yes! If you’d like continued access, you can purchase the course again at any time.What happens after 3 months?
Once the 3-month period is over, your access will expire. You won’t be charged again unless you choose to make another purchase.What if I only need access for a few weeks?
That’s fine. You’ll have access for the full 3 months, so you can move through the material at your own pace.Are refunds available?
We don’t offer refunds, but you’ll have access to the course for the full 3-month period you’ve paid for.Does this purchase give me access to other courses?
This purchase covers one individual course for 3 months. Other courses are available separately.Are there any technical requirements?
All you need is a stable internet connection and a modern web browser to enjoy the course.Can I share my access?
Course access is for individual use only and can’t be shared.Need help or having technical issues?
We’re happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@schoolhouseforart.com