This class involves painting in oils based on observation, and encourages traditional tonal realist approaches where patterns of light and dark are favoured over underdrawing.

While all classes will be primarily concerned with creating tonal order, initial classes will focus on still life, paying particular attention to techniques for measuring and plotting and establishing a hierarchy of edges to enhance form and distance; further enhancements, employing colour temperature, will be discussed in subsequent lessons.  The skills acquired in the early classes should prepare students for portrait and/or life sessions in the second half of term.

Students of all skill levels are welcome.  More experienced students who demonstrate a solid understanding of tonal relationships will be encouraged to expand their capacity for observation and explore techniques for communicating this to the viewer.