"Anyone can paint if they are given the right instructions.” - Marcel Desbiens, Master Artist and Principal Tutor

If you have never picked up a paintbrush before, this course will give you the technical skills and knowledge to help fast-track your painting process and produce stunning works of art of your own. All in a friendly and supportive environment.

The Course has been designed by Marcel Desbiens and has been developed over the years by the team including Ai Shah and Ros Danka.

All materials are included. All you need to do is turn up!

What will I learn?

• how to set up your workstation to minimise mess and maximise your painting time
• understand basic principles of colour mixing and paint consistency
• learn how to control tone to create the optical illusion of reality
• how to choose the right brushes and develop effective brush techniques
• how to clean and care for your brushes
• learn to paint in the traditional glazing techniques of the old masters

In each class, your tutor will give a step-by-step demonstration, and then it’s your turn for hands-on painting exercises. Each exercise builds on the previous one so that each week your skills and confidence will grow a little more.

Who is this course suitable for?

This foundation course is perfect for absolute beginners or for those who want to brush up on the fundamental techniques of oil painting. 90% of students who enrol in this course either have never picked up a paintbrush or have minimal painting experience. However, others who have painted before have also come along and found that they learned so much more about oil painting techniques.

The Foundation in Oils course is a prerequisite for the Gain Confidence in Oils course.

If travel time is an issue for you, consider the Live Online Via Zoom workshop that runs in a similar way but without your needing to leave your home!

And if fixed learning times are an issue for you, consider the Self-Paced Learning | Foundations in Oils course that has easy-to-follow videos for you to watch at a time to suit you.

What do I need to bring?

• An old large towel to cover your table
• A notebook and pen are optional for note-taking
• Apron (Bienarte Aprons are available for purchase from our on-site shop)

What is provided

All the materials you will need for this course will be provided, including:

• prepared paper for painting exercises by a master artist.
• Digital Certificate of Attendance.
• PDF booklet, packed with painting tips and tricks.
• Free professional-quality oil colours
• Free pack of paint brushes
• Access to reference photos to practice at home.
• Tables, chairs, easels
• Tea and coffee (bring your own mug)
• A friendly and supportive environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community.

Receive a FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours!

Receive a FREE PACK of Paint brushes!

Oil Painting Starter Kits also available for enrolled students

Once enrolled, every student will receive their FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours as well as their pack of brushes.
To practice at home, we have made it easy for you by putting together an Oil Painting Starter Kits which contains everything you will need to get started! Save time and money and pick up your art pack.

To purchase, see further below under "Related Products" and click on "Oil Painting Starter Kits" and "click "Buy Now"
You can also view all items that are included.

What Our Students Say About Foundations in Oils

"A great art course! Highly recommended for beginners or those that want to learn more skills. I did the 8-week oil painting course and was surprised with the quality produced by the class (including myself : ). A great teacher. Well-paced and a good atmosphere. Paint on!"

• Mark Allen, Bienarte regular student