Those who have had some experience of painting in oil.

This course builds on the essential ideas introduced in An Introduction to Oils by teaching students the 3 most vital components of picture-making: tone, composition and visual language. Understanding these subjects allows you to control the mood of your painting, and gives you the means to express yourself in paint. The visual equivalent of a major engine overhaul, this course is designed to thoroughly investigate the key components of successful painting. Students will draw selected subject matter as a means of identifying a point of inspiration and use the drawing process as a means of exploring ideas about picture making. Exercises in seeing tonal contrasts are of paramount importance in the development of a composition, as is the identification of line and form within subject matter.

Students will also be encouraged to 'move out of their comfort zone' by trying out unfamiliar drawing and painting techniques: a tried and tested means of encouraging the eyes to find new ways of seeing subject matter. Once an idea is formed, students will be encouraged to make decisions about how best to express the intended mood and feeling of their composition through colour choices and the ways in which they choose to apply the paint. Group discussions through critiques as well as one-to-one tuition will allow for a friendly, unintimidating and open atmosphere throughout this barrier-breaking course suitable for oil painters at any stage in their career.

A Reminder:

TONE
The manner in which light affects the surface of objects, how it reveals the many gradations of comparative lightness and darkness and how awareness of this is used by painters to create the illusion of a third dimension.

COMPOSITION
The development of a strong design within an idea, which is built upon through a critical analysis of subject matter. The breaking down of components into 2 dimensional shapes arranged on a surface in a visually stimulating manner.

VISUAL LANGUAGE
The choices you make in order to communicate successfully what you need to express.

Please see details of Hugo's other courses:

• An Introduction to Oils
• Understanding Colour
• Colour in the Landscape (Portugal)