Oil Painting

Oil painting in the western tradition is a major art form that spans centuries. This is a practical class designed to introduce students to the basic methods, materials, and techniques of oil painting and their application to a variety of subjects including, still life, portraiture, and landscape, mostly from direct observation but also from photo references. Though our practice will be grounded in the history of western art, the main focus is not on theory but on practice, getting students painting and learning by doing. Classes will be structured around a series of short exercises, projects, and assignments that will be designed by the instructor. Later in the semester students will be invited to apply their new skills to projects of their own choosing.

Instructor: Kevin Mayer

Instructor Bio: Kevin Mayer is a professional artist with decades of experience as a painter and teacher at SUNY Cortland, CSMA, and privately. His current program, Atelier Arts Ithaca, gives classical art training in drawing and painting to teens and adults at his studio in Groton (atelier-arts.business.site and kevinmayerart.com).

Required Materials: None

Additional Materials Fee: $40 to cover the cost of paints, brushes, and other materials