A course in drawing and painting for those who want to go deeper

This course provides a methodical set of tools that will help you get to predictable results where that is important while leaving plenty of room for improvisational mark making and building up a painting in layers. The course also will encourage you to go past your comfort zone in your choice of subject matter, opening up exciting new areas to explore and helping you to bring a new level of authenticity to your work.

Course Content

This course builds logically from a the most simple subject to the most complex. A common thread throughout the course is its emphasis on the importance of creating an accurate drawing as the basis for a successful painting. This then provides you greater leverage to 'loosen up' in other areas such as exploring non-conventional ways to create textures and improvised passages of paint.

  • Materials and colour mixing

  • Approaches to still life and landscape

  • Mark making, improvisation and layering

Course Teaser

See below outline of course

Introduction

  • Course outline

  • Introduction to me and my work

  • Share your goals for this course

Materials and colour palette

  • Materials I use

  • My Colour Palette

  • Preparing a canvas - mark making demo

Painting a simple object

  • My still life setup

  • Measuring while drawing

  • Mapping the object with a compass

  • Painting simple object

  • Drawing and painting challenge

Exploring still life

  • Choosing objects to paint

  • Drawing the crate

  • Painting the crate Pt. 1

  • Painting the crate Pt. 2

  • Transforming objects through painting

  • Painting review of pine martin

  • Still life painting challenge

Landscape demo

  • Mapping the scene

  • Transferring the scene

  • Painting the scene

  • Painting review of Dunmore lookout

  • Landscape painting challenge

More about this course

We answer some common questions about this course and who it is designed for

  • How much does this course cost?

    This course is part of the Big Look member subscription. For just €59 per month you will have access to the full library of Big Look content and have the ability to get personalised feedback from artists when you submit work. You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time. For more information about Big Look subscription check out our support centre content

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for anyone who is interested in taking their oil painting further by incorporating improvisation on one hand and learning how to translate structure accurately through drawing on the other. It will suit anyone who has existing experience in painting, or for anyone who is interested in finding subjects to paint in non-traditional or mundane objects and scenes.

  • Is this course suitable for beginners?

    While this course will benefit artists of all levels, some prior experience of oil painting and drawing will be a distinct advantage, as the focus of the course is about developing existing skills and finding new directions to work in.

  • When does the course start and stop?

    There is no set schedule for this course. This is a self-paced course which allows you the flexibility to follow at your own speed and convenience.

  • Can I get feedback on my work from Aidan?

    There are a number of opportunities to upload your own work to get an assessment from Aidan. All student uploads are confidential and will not be seen by other students.