This term we explore the Indirect Method of painting with acrylics — a classical approach that builds depth, realism, and a luminous quality into your work. Through a combination of drawing, tonal studies, colour mixing, and glazing, you’ll learn to create paintings that truly pop off the canvas.

The Indirect Method emphasizes careful layering and patience. By first mastering tone and form through drawing and grisaille (monochrome underpainting), then adding transparent layers of colour, you’ll produce artworks with remarkable depth and vibrancy.

This course is ideal for beginners to intermediate painters, or anyone looking to slow down and refine their technique for greater realism and sophistication.

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the principles of tonal value and its role in realistic painting.

• Create a tonal underpainting (grisaille) using a limited palette.

• Develop skill in colour mixing and understand complementary relationships.

• Apply transparent glazing techniques to build luminous, dimensional colour.

• Complete at least one finished glazed painting using the Indirect Method.

The Indirect Method rewards patience — each layer builds upon the last.

Students are encouraged to work steadily and thoughtfully; fast, loose styles are not the focus of this course. Demonstrations and individual guidance will be provided each week.