multi-session course
beginner friendly
about this workshop
Have you always wanted to learn to paint with oils? Introduction to Oil Painting is a 3-session course designed to introduce you to the foundations of oil painting. By the end of the 3 sessions, you will have created your very own oil painting. Working from direct observation and photographs, you’ll complete exercises to learn how to mix any color, how to set up a palette and choose materials, and how to paint with foundational principles like “fat over lean”/”dark before light” rules, underpainting, layering, and brush techniques.
All materials are provided. No experience necessary – beginners encouraged!
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Schedule (total 8 hours instruction)
Saturday, January 17, 3:00–5:30pm
Day 1: Foundations & Color
introduction to materials: paints, mediums, brushes, palette organization, and safety
color theory: learn how to mix any color with a deep understanding of value, hue/temperature, and chroma & complete your own color-matching worksheet
demonstrations & practice in brush handling, mark-making, and setting up a palette
learn by doing: you’ll practice color blocking and color matching methods to create simple sketches, focusing on value relationships and subtle color shifts
Saturday, January 24, 3:00–5:30pm
Day 2: Painting from Life
you'll complete a series of exercises painting from still life set-ups, focusing on color, value, fat-over-lean methods, and how to build an oil painting correctly
learn the basics of underpainting, how to use mediums correctly, and how to avoid muddiness in your work
practice different brushstroke methods to achieve different effects
build confidence in creating composition, color relationships, and building form
at then end of Day 2, you’ll prepare your canvas for your very own painting to be completed in the next session
Saturday, January 31, 3:00–6:00pm
Day 3: Making your own oil painting
working from your canvas underpainting from Day 2, you’ll being color blocking and building your own painting using fat-over-lean principles
get individual feedback and guidance from your instructor to help you work through your very own painting
you'll use what you learned from Days 1&2 about color, value, mediums, and composition to express yourself in your work
exchange discussion with peers and get recommendations for continuing practice
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what you’ll learn
how to set up and use oil-painting materials safely (paints, solvents, mediums)
how to organize a palette and mix a limited range of colors
fundamentals of value, hue, and color temperature
how to observe and simplify shapes in still-life studies
basic brush handling and creating different types of marks
how to build form using value and color
how to start a painting from scratch — choosing a subject, composing, and blocking in
layering basics: drying time, fat-over-lean, and preparing a painting between sessions
how to evaluate a work in progress and make adjustments
what’s included
oil paints (limited palette)
brushes in assorted shapes and sizes
disposable palettes
oil painting medium & solvent
canvas & primed painting paper
palette knives
rags/paper towels
easels and table coverings
what you’ll take home
observational color/value sketches
your own oil painting on canvas
a deep understanding of color, brushwork, materials, and techniques
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location & getting here
276 Greenpoint Ave
enter through the large brown iron gates on greenpoint ave, then through the black/glass doors that say BOND past the picnic tables on the left. take stairs to 3rd floor and knock, we will let you in!
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what can I expect from a workshop at Atelier Dalal?
our studio is dedicated to the exchange of heritage, stories, and craft. workshops are small and hands-on, emphasizing educational instruction on an extensive range of art forms and their history. beginners are always welcome—our instructors provide 1on1 instruction and guidance during the workshop. you will always leave one of our workshops with something you made, plus the necessary tools/equipment and knowledge to keep exploring at home.
all levels welcome!
no prior experience is necessary! your instructor is there to provide hands-on instruction and knowledge as you create your piece.
cancellation policy
tickets for this event are non-refundable, so please double-check your calendar before booking! if you're unable to attend, you're welcome to pass your ticket along to a friend—just have them check in under your name!
photography disclaimer
please note that by attending, all guests consent to being photographed and filmed. these images and recordings may be used for marketing or promotional purposes at the discretion of Atelier Dalal.
age restriction & dogs
all guests must be 18 or older to attend. as much as we love your fur babies, pets are not permitted in the studio.