THE PAINTING TECHNIQUES OF THE OLD MASTERS
OLD MASTER PAINTING COURSES — FIRST COURSE COMING SOON
THE OLD MASTER PAINTING METHOD
The techniques of the Old Masters offer a fascinating approach to painting, allowing light, form and colour to be developed through carefully constructed layers.
In these courses, I will guide you through the materials, tools and traditional methods I use in my own studio, breaking down each stage into clear, manageable steps.
Rather than simply copying a particular subject, you will learn a painting method that can be applied to your own work, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist.
1. Drawing & Construction
Establishing the composition and accurately drawing the subject.
2. Imprimatura
Applying a thin, toned ground to prepare the surface for painting.
3. Monochrome Underpainting
Building form, light and shadow in monochrome before introducing colour.
4. Colour Glazing
Applying transparent layers of colour over the underpainting, gradually developing depth, richness and luminosity.
5. Optical Refinement
Adjusting colour relationships, reflected light and subtle transitions through further glazes and selective opaque passages.
6. Finishing
Refining highlights, edges and final details to bring the painting together.
THE ART OF GLAZING
An Introduction to Old Master Painting
FIRST COURSE · COMING SOON
Discover the foundations of traditional oil painting through the art of glazing.
Using simple, non-reflective spheres, I will guide you through each stage of the Old Master painting process, from the initial drawing and monochrome underpainting to the application of luminous, transparent colour glazes.
Designed for beginners and experienced painters alike, this course focuses on mastering the materials and techniques rather than complicated subjects, giving you the knowledge to apply these methods to your own paintings.
PAINTING COLOURED GLASS
Light, Transparency and Reflection
SECOND COURSE · IN DEVELOPMENT
Building on the foundations of traditional oil painting, this course explores the fascinating challenges of painting coloured glass.
Working with a carefully arranged still life, I will demonstrate how transparency, reflections, light and colour can be developed through the successive stages of drawing, monochrome underpainting and transparent glazing.
By separating these elements into manageable stages, even complex optical effects become easier to understand and reproduce.
PAINTING FLESH
The Old Masters' Method
THIRD COURSE · PLANNED
Discover the traditional art of painting flesh using verdaccio, an earth-green underpainting technique associated with the Old Masters.
I will demonstrate how flesh tones can be developed gradually through carefully controlled layers of colour, building warmth, depth and luminosity over the underlying tonal structure.
From the initial drawing to the final delicate glazes, this course will explore the materials and techniques used to create convincing, lifelike flesh in classical painting.
