OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP - the art of ‘Alla Prima’ Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th June 2023 - THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW SOLD-OUT.

'The emphasis of this workshop is enjoyment! The focus is not on producing flawless results but on learning. I want to get you hooked on the great challenge and pleasure of oil painting. I can equip you with the tools that will allow you to work and learn at your own pace in your own time with achievable technical goals and some valuable tricks!’

Who is it for?
This workshop is suitable for all levels. Experience of drawing or painting in any medium will be a helpful foundation but is not essential. This course will cover the basics and tuition will be tailored to individual ability and experience.

What will you learn?
Join tutor and artist Ella Kilgour to learn to paint ‘alla prima’ over this 2 day workshop. Whether your ultimate goal is to paint portraits, figures, still life or landscapes, painting ‘alla prima’ is the perfect way to learn how to handle oil paint or to improve your painting skills. 'Alla prima’ literally means ‘in one go’. This technique allows us to complete relatively quick, uncomplicated paintings without waiting for layers of paint to dry. It is the ideal technique with which to establish a daily painting practice, and encourages us to create a fresh and direct response to those everyday objects, scenes and moments in which we find interest and beauty. This workshop will give you the confidence and knowledge to carry on your journey as a painter. You will learn:

·       The step by step process and principles of alla prima painting, which we can apply to any subject

·       How to prepare different surfaces for painting, which brushes to use (and when) and how to use solvents & mediums

·       The importance and principles of drawing, value, edges and mark making

·       Colour theory & how to mix colours using a limited colour palette. We will discuss value, chroma, temperature & how
to use complimentary colours

·       How to make use of photographs and paintings as a visual reference to accelerate your learning

·       How to create pleasing compositions and how to set up and light a still life

 Course Structure
This course will begin with an introductory talk about oil painting and the technique of alla prima. We will then set to work on a  number of small scale painting studies designed to get you to grips with the basic principle of painting and to get you comfortable with handling and applying oil paint in this direct painting method. These exercises will be accompanied by demos and group discussions. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and the exercises will be tailored to your personal level of experience and your interest in subject matter.

Expect to make a large number of small scale paintings including a simple still life, a cloud study and a portrait using the zorn palette. We will work from life but will also use high quality photographs and paintings as visual references.

Workshop: An Introduction to ‘Alla Prima’ Oil painting

Duration: Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4pm

Cost: £200, including materials.

Equipment: brushes, palettes and palette knives, easels and stands

Number of Students in the class : 6 - 8 

BOOKING - To book your place on the workshop contact Rebecca at info@jackhousegallery.co.uk

Ella Kilgour: Born in 1980 Ella Kilgour studied industrial design at the Royal College of Art. After working as an illustrator, graphic designer and gallery curator she began painting in 2016. Self taught, she combines a lively mix of contemporary and classical techniques and influences. In addition to portrait commissions, Ella exhibits her paintings regularly and is collected widely throughout the UK and Australia. Last year she was shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Women in Art Painting Prize’.

Ella Kilgour’s exhibition of new paintings ‘Pink Sky, Grey Sea’ takes place at Jack House Gallery 1st to 14th June 2023 with preview drink on Thursday 1st June 6-8pm. For more information click here