Oil Painting for Beginners

With Clair F. Maier

6 Mondays, 5:30 - 8:30 PM, April 15 - May 20

Have you ever wanted to try painting with oils, but never knew where to begin? This 6-week workshop is for you! We’ll cover oil painting essentials and get you started on your first painting! Already have some experience in oils? Or maybe you've taken a previous class with Clair? You'll still benefit from review of materials and class instruction!

Instructor Clair Maier, with a BA in Studio Art from Saint Vincent College, will teach basic concepts of oil painting, including prepping a canvas, setting up a palette, choosing brushes, mixing colors, working with painting mediums, creating an underpainting, layering wet and dry paint, proper brush cleaning and maintenance, and more!

Class time will range from short instruction and brief exercises to sessions of working on individual projects. Clair asks students to bring 3 different photos 8x10” or larger (or a laptop/tablet) to use as references for your painting (no portraits, please--people are hard to paint!). In class, she’ll help you select the best one to get you started successfully. Clair will also cover basic principles of color temperature, value, proportions, and shading, and help you apply them to your particular project!

All materials are provided, and you’ll be given a set of oils and supplies to keep! (You may wish to purchase additional materials after the first class, but no other materials will be necessary.)

Some experience in drawing is helpful, but not required. Come ready to learn and open to a new experience! Ages 14 and up.

Please Note:

Tuition is due with registration unless other arrangements are made. If you cancel 0-7 days before the class start date, we are able to refund your tuition ONLY if we can fill your space from our waitlist. We are not able to issue partial refunds or transfer your registration to another class. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we cannot refund your tuition once you have started the classes.
Oil Painting is a messy business! Please bring an apron or wear work clothes and closed shoes that can get dirty. Oil paints do not come out!
Bring a hair tie if you have long hair.
Leave your rings, smartwatches, and jewelry at home. Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
While we have a water cooler on site, you're welcome to bring something to drink or eat during the 3 hr class--you'll be given several breaks.

Thank you for registering!

All workshops are held at Main Exhibit Gallery’s fully-accessible Art Center.

Entrance located at the lower level rear of the building at 301 West Main Street, Ligonier, PA.

For more information: 724-238-2310

Oil Painting For Beginners