Oil Painting Workshop Series for Beginners

Join artist Alexandra Oliver for a structured and focused introduction to oil painting, inspired by the traditional methods of the Old Masters. This series of workshops is designed for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in painting techniques while working in a small, supportive group.

Across six Saturday morning sessions, you’ll be guided step by step through different themes, from painting a simple pear to still life, landscapes, portraits, and finally painting from a live model. Each workshop builds upon the last, offering a clear and approachable way into oil painting, with an emphasis on developing confidence and understanding of the medium.

Included in each workshop

• All painting materials provided (oil paints, brushes, palettes, canvas)
• Printed reference images
• Step-by-step tuition tailored for beginners
• Refreshments / snacks during the session

This series is perfect if you’re looking for more in-depth tuition, an encouraging learning environment, and the chance to leave each session with a finished oil painting and new skills.

Want to see more?
Explore Alexandra’s work at www.alexandraoliver.co.uk
Or follow along on Instagram: @alex_oliver_art

What we’ll cover

1) Painting a Pear — in the style of the Old Masters
We’ll begin with the foundations, breaking down the steps of painting a single object in a simple, approachable way. Using a minimal colour palette, this session is about slowing down and building confidence.
Saturday 18th October · 10am–1pm

2) Still Life
Building on the first workshop, this session incorporates multiple objects into a still life study, exploring composition, depth, and balance.
Saturday 15th November · 10am–1pm

3) Copying an Old Master Landscape
Copying Old Master works is a great way to improve skills in oil painting. Together we’ll work through an Old Master landscape step by step, discovering techniques that can deepen our own practice.
Saturday 17th January · 10am–1pm

4) Painting Your Own Landscape
You’ll be encouraged to bring your own photograph of a landscape you’d like to paint (or work from images provided). With guidance, you’ll learn how to develop a painting from your own source material.
Saturday 14th February · 10am–1pm

5) Copying an Old Master Portrait
This workshop focuses on portraiture, working through the process of painting an Old Master portrait in stages — an opportunity to understand proportion, structure, and expression.
Saturday 21st March · 10am–1pm

6) Painting from the Model
To conclude the series, we’ll work directly from a live model in a three-hour session, applying and expanding upon the techniques explored throughout the workshops.
Saturday 11th April · 10am–1pm

Practical Details

• All materials provided (oil paints, brushes, palettes, canvas)
• Printed reference images (or bring your own for the landscape session)
• Refreshments/snacks included
• Suitable for complete beginners - with individual guidance throughout

Pricing

• £75 per class