Fun-n-Sun
Oil Painting Workshop
Overview
We have a blast in class and everyone is welcome from beginners to those with advanced skills. Steve is an artist, retired professor, extremely patient, and knows how to make learning fun!
Seriously, it is easy to create a painting when you know how to mix color in just 7 steps, how to thin the paint properly, and apply the paint in the style of your choosing. We will be using oil paint because it stays wet on the palette for a week or more, yet dries overnight on the canvas when you know the secret! Most of the techniques you learn can be used with acrylic paint also.
Download a PDF of the Workshop Flyer here.
2026 Class Dates and Time
Formal classes begin Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 9 - 11:30 AM. There will also be a session on Wednesday from 1-4 pm. You can join the class at anytime - I will catch you up!
I will also be in the Art room from 9 - 11:00 on Tuesday's beginnning in mid-November of 2025.
Cost
Instructor Fee: None.
Shared Materials: $15 per student for the entire course.
Personal Materials: Varies, but is usually under $30. View and/or download a Material list.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can also view and/or download a PDF of the FAQ's
The first couple of classes consist of a presentation and demonstration followed by one-on-one help. By the fourth class everyone will be working on their own and I will be working with you on an individual basis.
No, the workshop is like a college fine art class without the pressure and grades. My goal is to teach you how to paint the paintings you want, in the style you want.
Students comment that my classes are fun. I think they say that because we keep things informal and the stress levels low.
If you miss a class it is not a problem as I will catch you up. I plan to have all of the presentations posted online.
To save money everyone in the class will pay a one time fee which will allow you to use the proper paint, painting medium, “oiling-out” mix, brush cleaning jars and specialized no-odor cleaning fluid. These materials will be available for those enrolled in the workshop - during and outside of scheduled classes, 24/7.
You can use your own paint, as long as the color bias is that of a split-primary system. Because of studio safety concerns you must use Gamblin mediums and odor-free brush cleaner. If you have any questions on this let me know. I have a detailed material list with links for you to look at.
We will be painting from a photo of YOUR choosing. It does NOT have to be your photo; feel free to choose a photo of an actual painting or something from from a magazine, book or image found online. Do not be concerned with ‘copyrights’ as this is an educational setting. I will help you choose a photo that will make a good painting AND be a good learning experience.
You can use the provided projector to trace the photo onto the canvas, use transfer paper, or freehand to trace the outlines of the image.
Oil paint from the tube does not contain a ‘drying oil’ so unless you mix in a drying oil it stays wet. After you mix the colors and add a modern drying oil the paint dries in 24-36 hours. You can also add oil to extend the drying time for 5-7 days if you desire.
Oil paint itself is not, it is the use of turpentine to thin and clean brushes. We don’t use turpentine to thin paint and to clean brushes - we use odor-free turpentine.
Yes, the techniques I am teaching works for both oil and acrylic. However, you still need to pay the shared material fee so that we will be able to afford the supplies for the class.
I have degrees in fine art and education and have a passion for teaching painting. Teaching at the college level for 30+ years and workshops for ages 8 to 75 has taught me what works and what does not. Regardless of the age group, I teach using the techniques of the Old Masters as this system has been proven to work. I am also a life-long artist and have exhibited widely and been represented by many galleries.