Oil Painting
Solvent-free
Painting has been an art form since man first spread red clay on the dark walls of hidden caves. Throughout cultures and time it has not lost the potency to communicate the human experience. Despite trends and fashions the painted image continues to persist because there is magic present when colored pigments coalesce into recognizable form. We delight in that mysterious process that reveals the simultaneous apprehension of paint and image.
Learning to paint is a life long task as good painters are continuously challenging their materials and ways of seeing. It is essential to have a good foundation of understanding the optical properties of oil paint, the mixing of color and the physical structure of the layers of a painting. We learn this not only to make lasting archival works of art but also to maximize the potential of the material.
In our light filled studios students begin the journey. We teach the process from stretching the canvas to final touch; color theory, brush handling, glazing and scumbling, and palette selection are covered. The course follows classical methods: use of tonal underpainting with glazing as in the Renaissance, Baroque method of heightening with white, and Impressionist use of broken brushstroke and prismatic palette. You will also learn the historical method of hand refining organic linseed oil allowing the modern artist to create paint which is flexible, fast drying and sensitive to the brush; impasto areas dry quickly yet thin delicate glazes are easy to obtain.
We use oils because they retain their color when dry, they give the maximum expression to color in layers and the beauty of the surface is unsurpassed. Students who had worked only in acrylics become converts once they see the richness and possibilities of oils. Traditional methods endure because they offer splendid possibilities to each generation of artists. New materials are exciting for experimental discoveries and we do not eschew the delights they suggest but the methodologies worked out over centuries are rich with nuance and depth, they offer us the chance to enter a conversation that has been going on for centuries.
Every generation since the early 1400's has accumulated knowledge of the world as seen through the filter of painted canvas. To be a part of that conversation humbles us and adds depth and subtlety to our world. Creativity is a process, not some esoteric intrinsic inborn trait and yes, the creative process is learnable. Ideas and process spring from art itself, from learning the language of paint. Doing is active learning that we share in this intensive course. The Painting Intensive meets 5 hours a day, 10:00 to 4:00 (16:00) with one hour lunch break.
The Center’s facilities are always available to the students. There are no curfews as studios and digital lab remain open for continued independent exploration into your art. Our workshop format is full and energetic as is the culture of Greece, the environment of Paros and the Aegean Center ethos. Attending the workshops you will discover we remain deeply committed teachers and mentors who will guide you through your chosen subject with passion and dedication.
Students are responsible for organizing and booking their own housing accommodation for the duration of the program. We believe the decision of housing is best made by the incoming student. Because our courses take place during the off-peak periods many choices for lodging are available. There are numerous online options for finding and booking your housing. In the acceptance material we provide some trusted recommendations close to the school.
