Advanced Painting

From the Still Life and Plaster Cast 

With Nick Leavey

Back to Painting with Nick Leavey or view the Full Class Timetable

This course will lead you through a sequence which begins with the composition of a complex group of objects as a still-life subject. You will further demonstrate your understanding of the process that involves the drawing of thumb-nail sketches and charcoal drawings. You will extend your knowledge of colour theory. You will learn about the layout of a variety of colour palettes and their relevance to the subject. You will learn advanced painting techniques including the use of scumbling, glazes, and mediums. You will refine your ability to describe the position of an object in space through the treatment of its edges, and how to portray reflected light on an object. You will also learn about the types and properties of a range of commonly used paints.

The outcome of this course will be the production of a number of complex still life paintings in oil, of a variety of subjects which demonstrate your understanding of the advanced theory content of the course.

I would also recommend that you maintain a sketchbook both as a record of your observations and a focus for your ideas.

Course materials required:

Canvas (You can purchase this from the studios. Currently $6.00 for a 600x400 piece)

Flat Hog Hair brushes, Nos 0, 4, 8, 10, and 12, to start with. As your experience grows, you will purchase other brushes that meet your specific requirements.

A wooden palette. Don’t purchase one with a white or grey surface. Expensive and unnecessary.

ODOURLESS turps and a jar with a lid. Art Spectrum is a suitable brand.

Twin dip pots Rag and/or paper towels

A painting knife for colour mixing.

Winton Titanium white oil paint               200ml tube

Winsor and Newton Ivory Black              37ml tube

Winsor and Newton Cadmium yellow      37ml tube

Winsor and Newton Cadmium Red         37ml tube

Winsor and Newton Terra Verte              37ml tube

Winsor and Newton Burnt Sienna            37ml tube or

Winton Burnt Sienna                              200ml tube

Winsor and Newton French Ultramarine   37ml tube or

Winton French Ultramarine                     200ml tube

Winsor and Newton Raw Umber             37ml tube or

Winton Raw Umber                                200ml tube

Winsor and Newton Ivory Black              37ml tube

The need for other colours will become apparent to you as your skill and knowledge increases, and I will discuss this with you at the appropriate time. The list of paint colours above will serve as a good foundation for your needs.

If you are sensitive to paints and solvents, I would suggest that you also purchase some latex gloves.

If you have other paint brands already, feel free to use them.  Winsor and Newton paints tend to be of a consistent quality and colour. My own preference is for Michael Harding paints. They are free of fillers Etc. and the colours are pure for that reason. Michael Harding paints are available from Oxlades in The Valley.

Materials are also available at ARTSHED or any other reputable supplier.