Oil Painting for Beginners with Jevan Watkins Jones

Explore the techniques and styles of oil painting with the inspiring work of contemporary and historic artists in these fun and experimental sessions!

Experience the versatility of the medium through set tasks and be inspired by looking at the work of contemporary and historic artists.

These sessions can be attended as a course in which you will be encouraged to develop a painting or as a one off, picking up skills and confidence in this medium.

Basic range of oil paints and brushes will be provided as well as oil paper, canvas and plywood panels for you to create your artworks.

10:30am – 4:30pm. Buffet lunch of finger food will be provided with vegan and vegetarian options available. Any dietary requirements, please include in your booking. This is included in your ticket price.

These workshops are suitable for ages 16+.

Oil Painting and Jevan Watkins Jones

Jevan was introduced to oil paint when he was at primary school by a teacher who took it upon herself to encourage him.

‘At the age of nine one has no concept of the weight of tradition behind oil painting. You soon learn that it is slippy, whiffy and takes forever to dry.’ says Jevan

My task was to copy Auguste Renoir’s, Young Woman Sewing, 1879. This was 1980 and I was outside the secretary’s office where, presumably, the fumes could dissipate more readily through the reception doors. I mention this because I had no expectations of this material that many artists who do, feel discouraged by.

Yet the virtue of oil paint is in its versatility and its forgiving nature. Far from its bad name as messy and muddy.

Further to this, giving over to the characteristics of oil paint is a complete joy, deeper than with any other type of paint. Its position in art history lights the way and makes us wonder what else can working with oils yield.