• 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.

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.

Suitable for all levels - good understanding of the basic use of oil painting would be an advantage.

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.