Description
Program Overview: Certificate in Oil Painting
Program Title: Certificate in Oil Painting
Duration: 6 Months (Part-Time) / 12 Weeks (Full-Time Intensive)
Total Hours: 120 contact hours + 80 independent study hours
Mode of Delivery: On-Campus (Studio-Based) / Online (Hybrid option available)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Program Description:
This immersive certificate program is designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in the techniques, materials, and expressive potential of oil painting. From mastering the fundamentals of composition and color theory to exploring advanced textural and glazing methods, students will develop both technical proficiency and a personal artistic voice. The program combines hands-on studio practice with art historical context, culminating in a final portfolio of original work suitable for exhibition or professional advancement.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
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Prepare a canvas and handle oil painting materials safely and correctly.
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Understand and apply fundamental principles of drawing, composition, and color theory.
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Execute a variety of techniques, including alla prima (wet-on-wet), glazing, scumbling, and impasto.
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Create paintings from life (still life, portrait, landscape) and from reference materials.
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Analyze and discuss their work and the work of Old Masters and contemporary artists within a critical framework.
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Develop a cohesive body of work that demonstrates technical skill and conceptual intent.
Target Audience
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Absolute beginners with no prior painting experience.
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Hobbyists looking to formalize and deepen their skills.
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Artists working in other media (e.g., acrylic, watercolor) who wish to transition to oils.
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Individuals seeking to build a portfolio for application to further art education.
Course Modules / Curriculum
Module 1: Foundations of Oil Painting (Weeks 1-3)
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Topics: Introduction to materials: paints (student vs. professional grade), brushes, palettes, solvents, and mediums (linseed oil, turpentine, Gamsol). Canvas preparation: stretching, priming with gesso.
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Techniques: Basic brush handling, paint mixing, fat-over-lean principle, toning the canvas.
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Project: Monochromatic (grisaille) still life to focus on value and form.
Module 2: The Language of Color (Weeks 4-6)
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Topics: In-depth color theory: the color wheel, hue, value, saturation, temperature (warm vs. cool). Creating harmonious palettes and color mixing.
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Techniques: Limited palette painting (e.g., Zorn Palette), moving to a full palette.
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Project: Colorful still life focusing on accurate color matching and temperature relationships.
Module 3: Painting from Life: Still Life & Interiors (Weeks 7-9)
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Topics: Composition and design: arranging elements, creating focal points, using negative space. Studying light and shadow.
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Techniques: Alla Prima (direct painting) and working in layers.
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Project: A complex still life or interior scene that tells a story through objects and light.
Module 4: Portraiture & Figure (Weeks 10-12)
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Topics: Basic human anatomy and proportions for artists. Capturing likeness and expression.
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Techniques: Painting flesh tones, glazing for depth in skin, capturing the character of the sitter.
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Project: A painted portrait from a live model or high-quality reference.
Module 5: Landscape & Plein Air (Weeks 13-15)
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Topics: Perspective, atmospheric depth, and simplifying natural forms. Introduction to en plein air (outdoor) painting.
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Techniques: Quick sketching in paint, capturing changing light conditions, using a palette knife.
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Project: Several small landscape studies, one larger finished landscape painting.
Module 6: Developing a Personal Style & Final Portfolio (Weeks 16-18 / Final Month)
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Topics: Art historical survey: analyzing techniques from the Old Masters (e.g., Rembrandt, Vermeer) to Modernists (e.g., Monet, Sargent) and contemporary artists.
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Techniques: Combining learned techniques to develop a personal approach. Critique and self-evaluation.
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Final Project: Creation of a thematically cohesive series of 3-5 works for the final portfolio and exhibition.
Materials & Resources (Estimated Initial Cost: $200 – $400)
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Paints: A basic starter set of professional-grade oils (Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Ivory Black).
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Brushes: An assortment of bristle flats and rounds, and softer synthetic/sable for details.
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Surfaces: Pre-primed canvases and canvas boards of various sizes.
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Other: Wooden palette, palette knives, glass jars for solvent, odorless mineral spirits (Gamsol), linseed oil, rags/aprons, a sturdy easel.
Assessment & Certification
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Continuous Assessment: Participation, technical exercises, and completion of module projects (60%).
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Final Assessment: Final portfolio presentation and a short artist statement (40%).
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Certificate Awarded: A Certificate in Oil Painting will be awarded to students who maintain a minimum 80% attendance rate and achieve a passing grade on all assessments.
Instructors
Our instructors are working professional artists and educators with extensive exhibition records and a passion for teaching. They provide personalized feedback and mentorship in a supportive studio environment.
Why Choose This Program?
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Structured Learning Path: Progress from fundamental skills to advanced techniques in a logical, supportive sequence.
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Studio Environment: Work in a dedicated, well-ventilated art studio designed for oil painting.
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Community & Critique: Become part of a community of artists and learn the invaluable skill of giving and receiving constructive criticism.
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Tangible Outcome: Finish the program not just with a certificate, but with a strong portfolio of your own original artwork.
Next Steps: Contact our admissions office to inquire about upcoming start dates, schedule a studio tour, and register for the program.
