Southern Vermont Arts Center
2023 Class Workshop Description:

BASICS OF OIL PAINTING
Getting you comfortable . . .
June 13, 2023
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

New exciting workshop in oil! This fun and informative workshop will cover the basic principles of oil painting and get you painting simple and easy to understand objects in a short time. The idea of this workshop is to get you comfortable with the process of painting while teaching you how to paint dynamic and exciting paintings. The class includes interesting and memorable discussions on all the basic elements of painting including, composition, massing, building form, light and shadow – and depending on your own style, knowing when a work is finished (learning how to not overwork your painting). Douglas delivers sound principles of painting that are an incredible foundation for your painting, and whether a person who has never ever picked up a brush, a relatively new painter or a more accomplished painter looking for some strong points to review, it will make sense.

After the brief morning intro, a very hands-on approach to the class, gets students organized and preparing to paint. Students will learn how to set up their palette with the basic colors and understand why this is helpful. Douglas will overview his palette and concepts that his work entails and do subsequent demonstration paintings throughout the rest of the day for each subject that the class paints. Sometimes the demo is a step by step and sometimes the demo is done first and remains as an example you can follow and reference. There is nothing to be afraid of or self conscious of and Douglas will get you through all the tricky parts and you will have fun.

Students will work in their own style/technique so that the finished work is their own. Students will paint simple still lifes which usually includes items like an apple and an egg! You will also paint from a photo to help you get the idea of what painting “en plein air/out of doors” is like, usually we paint a landscape or two and a floral still life. Depending on the skill level of each student, students are able to grow and develop at a rate that is to their comfort. Plan to produce a few small paintings and possibly one larger painting. Plan to bring notebook/sketchbook and enjoy all the demos along with some great stories to help you remember these principles that are the foundation of Douglas’ teaching.

Douglas’ Biography
Douglas David has painted his way across the country, capturing the beauty and spirit of the things he loves–tranquil country landscapes, sunrises and sunsets on his favorite beaches, a simple pitcher of spring lilacs or peonies, a slice of watermelon on a checkered tablecloth. His paintings are beautiful, simple and timeless. After graduating with honors from Herron School of Art, Indiana University, Douglas went on to study for a number of years with Frank Mason, famed instructor from the Art Students League of New York and student of Frank Vincent DuMond. A recipient of numerous regional and national awards and honors, Douglas is a member of many art associations and clubs including Hoosier Salon, Naples Art Association, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Salmagundi Club and Southern Vermont Arts Center. Douglas’s teaching is a way of giving back and sharing some of his journey with those who choose to study with him. He loves to share insights into the DuMond Palette with his students and bases all of his teachings on classic principles. Douglas’s work has been chosen for many private and public collections, including the Vice President’s residence, the United States Embassy to Sierra Leone, and most recently, by request of Ambassador Donnelly, the United States Embassy to the Holy See (Vatican City). For more detailed information, visit www.douglasdavid.com.

Class supply list:
Douglas will offer a “BASIC PAINT KIT” which includes all the basic oils, brushes, palette knife, palette and canvas panels and medium for those who do not want to buy these supplies individually. You would need to bring some paper towels and rubber gloves. Price $150., while supplies last. Please reserve your kit when registering.

Or you can bring these supplies...
(these are not absolute, just my way of getting to a good result)
liquin
mineral spirits
Oils - Utrecht (order from Dick Blick) Cad. Red Light, Aliz Crim., Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Ultram. Blue, Ultram. Violet, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Green, Green Earth Hue, Sap Green, Prussian Green, Yellow Ochre, Ivory Black, large tube of “Permalba” White
OPTIONAL Oils - Burnt Sienna, Jaune Brilliant No 2. Holbein Ivory White
Paper Towels
disposable palette pad
palette cup to put medium (Liquin)
palette knife
brushes - filberts or flats - #2,4,6 maybe 8 or 10 or rounds in these sizes if you prefer rounds over filberts.
mineral spirits or thinner
jar for mineral spirits or thinner to clean brushes
a few throw away bristle brushes from hardware store in 1" and 2-2.5" sizes
Canvases - Quantity: 2-3 5"x7", 2-3 8"x10", 2-3 10"x20" or 12"x16" or 16"x20" (or whatever size desired for larger paintings)
And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable.

Please prime all canvas with a thin coat of thinned down Cad Red light and white to make a pink or light red tone on canvas (acrylic is fine to tone canvas).

Douglas has a “suitcase of supplies” he brings along, it includes some recommended books, and some supplies in case a few students need a few items that are forgotten.

Class/Tentative Outline:

Day 1
1st hour: Welcome/Overview/Mix Palette.
2nd hour: We will start with a simple egg and then move to an apple.
Lunch: Brown bag.
Entire Afternoon: We will paint a landscape and a floral.

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