Intro to Oil Painting: A 6-Week Studio Course

Have you ever wanted to try oil painting but didn’t know where to start?

In this welcoming beginner-friendly course, students will learn the fundamentals of oil painting while creating several studies and at least one finished painting. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and plenty of time to paint, we’ll explore color mixing, brushwork, composition, and layering techniques that bring paintings to life.

Classes are relaxed and supportive, with lots of individual guidance and space to experiment. Whether you’re brand new to painting or returning to art after a long break, this course will give you the skills and confidence to continue painting on your own.

Join us in the studio at WonderStump in Petaluma for six evenings of painting, exploration, and creative community!

Course Details

6 sessions
Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 8:30pm, beginning April 15th
2.5 hours each (15 hours total instruction)
Limited to 8 students
Beginner friendly - no experience required
Dates: April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

What You’ll Learn

• Oil painting materials and studio setup
• Color mixing and value control
• Brush & palette knife handling and paint application
• Blocking in a painting and building layers
• Composition and observational painting techniques
• How to develop and finish a painting

Students will complete several studies and at least one finished painting during the course.

Cost

Early Bird: $295 (through April 8th)
Regular Registration: $325

Early bird works out to less than $50 per class if ya hurry! ;)

Who This Class Is For

This course is designed for:

• Complete beginners
• Intermediate artists desiring to practice & refine skills and techniques
• Artists transitioning from drawing or acrylic painting
• Anyone curious about learning the traditional medium of oil paint

All skill levels are welcome!

Materials

Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies. Bring what you have already, or use the shopping list linked below. A few basic supplies will be available for the first session in case you haven’t had time to gather everything. We will go over supplies during the first session.

SUPPLY LIST LINK

Most students spend $80-$150 depending on what they already have and where materials are purchased.

About the Instructor

Kirsten Björe is a mixed media artist and co-founder of WonderStump with more than 23 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Special Education and has taught in public schools, nonprofit arts programs, and community workshops. Her creative practice includes painting, leatherwork, mixed media, functional art, and the immersive sculptural environments that define WonderStump. Kirsten is known for creating welcoming classes where beginners quickly feel comfortable experimenting and learning new skills.

Email kirsten@wonderstump.art with any questions ✨