In this one-day introduction to oil painting participants will gain confidence and become more comfortable working with oils.  There's a lot packed into this so come prepared :) but our focus will be on fun and enjoying the process of painting!

An introduction to brushes, colour theory, colour mixing and paint application techniques will be given as well as hints and tips on priming canvas and boards, underpainting from gesso to use of the Grisaille - the Simplest Form of Underpainting. 

A grisaille is the simplest form, done with just black and white and demonstrates awareness of value and tone in a painting, and introducing the idea of Notan (pronounced no-tan), a Japanese term that means 'light and dark harmony/balance. ' It's a design concept that looks at how light and dark elements of a composition interact only using black and white.

The whole day ensures a greater foundation of knowledge and understanding for the process of traditional oil painting technique and we hope everyone will create their own work of art to take home too.

Please bring your own photographs which can be used for painting references during the day.

Cost €90. 10am-4.30pm. 8 participants. Tea, coffee and morning scones provided. Light lunch provided with vegan based soups and breads.

Those who choose stay at our Artists’ Retreat Accommodation are very welcome to access the art studio in the evenings, the outdoor seating area and gardens, and the fire bowl.

Our Cottage Gallery exhibits the artwork of resident artist Sinéad Smyth, including drawings and paintings both old and new. Works are available for sale on enquiry. You can view Sinéad’s latest work at www.sineadsmyth.com

Please bring your own materials. We can supply materials at a reasonable price, but you would need to let us know in advance.

A suggested Materials List will be emailed four weeks in advance of your course. Please let us know of any dietary requirements on booking.

The course will be led by resident artist Sinéad Smyth.

Accommodation

We have reduced rate accommodation in two twin rooms (for up to four people) at our Artists' Retreat during our art course weekends. It's reduced because the living room/kitchen and toilet areas are used by other course participants during the day.

Our reduced Painting weekend 2025/26 rates are €50 per person sharing, €75 for two nights (Fri & Sat). Or €70 per person single room supplement, €100 for two nights (Fri & Sat). Please contact sinead@artstaysdonegal.com to book as booking is not available on the website for these weekends.

If our artists’ retreat accommodation is already booked, we can recommend other local places to stay nearby.

You can view our rooms here: artstaysdonegal.com.