Oil Painting Private Lessons (solvent-free)

Adults
Teens ages 13-17 with prior lesson experience and approval
2-hour lessons
8 weeks of lessons

Description:

All experience levels are welcome! Students will learn basic concepts for oil painting from real life or reference photos. Techniques and tips will be shown at each class. We'll practice a LOT of color mixing, painting techniques, and how to improve our work. 

You will get personal guidance and feedback as you work on a long-term project. We'll go step-by-step through the techniques you'll need for your chosen subject. I paint the same subjects as my students to better demonstrate painting concepts.

If students finish a painting during the course of their lessons, they're welcome to start another one. There's not a set number of projects because some students work slower than others. (and that's ok!) What matters more is that you are learning!

We work with M. Graham oil paints on canvas or canvas board. Other mediums are introduced as needed, such as quick-dry or impasto mediums.

Safe Oil Painting:

I use non-toxic methods of paint thinning and brush cleaning for our own safety and the well-being of our island. This includes diluting with nut and seeds oils, followed by working regular dish soap into the bristles for several rounds, and finishing with a brush conditioner. Disposable gloves are available for those who would like them. I do not use cadmium paints, turpentine, or other toxic cleaners.

The paints I use in-studio contain walnut oil mixed in them. If you have a nut allergy, you should bring in your own paints each week. We may need to find an alternative brush cleaning system for you as well. Please let me know if it's ok for me to have my walnut-oil based paints on the side or if they need to be completely put away. Please bring any allergy medications and provide an emergency name/number in the event of an accidental contact. 

Goals of Oil Painting lessons:

• Improve your skills wherever you're at in your art journey
• Get a solid grasp on color mixing in a way that won't turn your palette yucky
  
• See how saturation levels can alter the focal point of your painting
• Understand value levels of color and how they affect your painting
• Become more confident in your painting skills so you can make what you see in your head
  
• Understand how to use the elements of art and principles of design to make your paintings feel more satisfying
• Learn to enjoy the painting process and the messy fun!

Students can sign up for as many sessions as they like. You'll always get to create something different!

Supplies:

All supplies are included in the classroom, but students are highly encouraged to practice at home. (See recommended supplies) Bringing in or emailing photos of your chosen subject is great, but I also have access to stock photos we can use. 

Scheduling:

Private lessons can be scheduled on flexible days and times. Please contact me first to make sure our schedules jive. My calendar page shows you some general days I'm available (times vary). After we talk and when you're ready, please register online.

I'll contact you after your purchase to officially schedule days/times. If you do not hear from me, please first check your spam folder, check other possible email addresses you might have used, and then contact me if you still don't see it. If I do not hear back from you within a month about scheduling your lessons, I will refund your registration with no further obligation on my part.

Other:

With teacher approval, teen students who have been in watercolor and/or acrylic painting lessons with me for a while AND who show me maturity and proper care for supplies can be assessed for their readiness for oils. There are NO exceptions to this policy. Your teen absolutely MUST show me via other classes with me that they are ready for the level of care & cleanup required for oil painting.

There are absolutely NO exceptions for younger or immature students. I've worked with enough kids to know what to expect at certain ages, and I can foresee what will happen with oil paint cleanup. The amount of time that goes into brush cleaning is much more than you'd expect, especially with a solvent-free studio. I will end up spending tons of time cleaning up after kids who aren't mature enough to notice their brush still has loads of paint in the ferrule. Please do not ask me to make an exception for your angelic student, because the answer is still "No, definitely not, and hard pass."

"How do I know my kid is ready for art class?"

All students are expected to use materials responsibly, clean up afterwards, and be safe in my art studio. If your student cannot handle that or staying in the boundaries of my studio, then another art studio may be a better fit. Please read the full policies here.

Location:

My home studio is in my garage in Waipahu, mauka from Lowe's off H1/exit 7. Exact address will be manually emailed after registration. Please check your inbox and spam folder for my name if you don't see it within 1 business day. (Rebecca Block)