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Course Description

This fun, informative workshop introduces the essential principles of oil painting and quickly gets you painting simple, approachable subjects. You’ll learn core concepts such as composition, massing, form, light and shadow, and how to avoid overworking your paintings. Suitable for beginners through experienced artists, the class builds confidence and strong foundational skills.

After a brief introduction, students jump into a hands-on approach—organizing materials, setting up a basic palette, and beginning to paint. Douglas provides demonstrations (step-by-step or as reference examples) and guides students through each stage of the process in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Students work in their own style, painting still lifes and, if time allows, florals, landscapes, and water scenes inspired by photos. Expect to complete several small paintings and possibly one larger work. Bring a sketchbook and enjoy engaging demos and memorable lessons that reinforce the foundations of strong painting.

For questions or assistance please contact Elizabeth Buccino, Director of Education*

Cancellation Policy

AAN depends upon student tuition to continue to offer classes and workshops. Due to our commitment to small class sizes and the hands-on nature of art education, we are greatly impacted by cancellations. Nevertheless, we do understand that plans change. If you need to cancel your reservation for a class or workshop, please note our cancellation/refund policy here and let us know as soon as possible.

Materials

PLEASE NOTE: The AAN’s Painting studio is equipped with easels and glass top carts for palette use and daily personal storage. Due to this studio’s evening classes in a variety of media, please be prepared to leave your cart and easel clean, store work in progress in drying racks provided, and transport your supplies to and from the studio each day. Storing unused paint in a plastic palette bin is suggested. Thank you in advanced for your consideration.

Suggested Materials List
Oil Paint:
Yellow Ochre
Red Hue
Crimson Alizarin
Terre Verte
Sap Green
Black
Green
Lemon Yellow
Phalo Blue
Phalo Green l
Ultramarine Blue
Prussian Green
Permalba oil White
Acrylic for underpainting:
Cad Red Hue
Titanium White
Additional Supplies:
Palette Knife
Palette Cup
Liquin
Turpenoid
Plastic Jar with lid 1
Palette Paper 9x12
Disposable Gloves Large
Brushes:
Long Handled #2 Round, #4 Flat, #4 Filbert #6
Gesso Brush 1” Quantity 2
Surfaces:
Canvas 5x7/Quantity 2, 8x10/Quantity 2, 10x20/Quantity 1, 12x16/Quantity 1

And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable.
You can prime all canvas with a thin coat of thinned down Cad Red light and Titanium White Acrylic to make a pink or light red salmon tone on canvas. It can be thin and applied with a blue shop towel or rag. It can also be done in class if that is easier. (You can paint oil over acrylic but can’t paint acrylic over oil.)

Basics of Oil Painting, 18+

Douglas David

Douglas David received his BFA in Visual Communication from Indiana University’s Herron School of Art. For over 10 years, his position as graphic designer, art and creative director for Simon brought many regional and national awards in retail and real estate development before opening his own successful commercial art studio. As his painting career evolved, he continued his studies in painting with iconic teachers including Frank Mason of the Art Students League New York, John P Osborne of Ridgewood Art Institute and successful painter, John C. Traynor. Through the years, Douglas has received numerous awards, honors and grants, crossing the country to exhibit and teach. He is a member of many art associations including the Southern Vermont Art Center, Hoosier Salon, Naples Art Association and the prestigious Salmagundi Club.
Full Artist Profile