Tips for Teaching Oil Painting Classes

Those that have the gift of artistic talent do not always know how to teach others their craft. This takes another type of talent, especially when oil painting. People can be taught techniques, but it takes real skill to create beautiful works of painted art. This takes God-given talent. Teaching classes can be very rewarding in more ways than one since it can become a lucrative and fulfilling home business. Consider these tips for teaching oil painting classes, and find out where to begin.

Give Students a List of Necessary Supplies for Classes

Give prospective students a list of necessary supplies when teaching oil painting classes. The list should include the most commonly used round, flat and fan brushes, basic oil paint colors that can be blended to create every hue, a pad of disposable oil painting palettes, a box of waxed paper for saving blended paint, a small bottle of linseed oil, a sturdy tabletop easel, a small palette knife and a divided box for holding all of the supplies. They should also have an eight-inch by ten-inch canvas board for the first class. Allow students to choose a canvas and picture for their first painting. The choice of a canvas board or a stretched canvas is a matter of personal preference.

Provide the Turpentine and Strain it for Reuse

When planning on teaching oil painting classes, consider supplying the turpentine and the containers to hold it. Tuna cans are ideal. This is one of the most valuable tips for those teaching classes and just getting started. Instead of leaving students to deal with the mess, collect the used turpentine after classes are over. It can be strained and reused again and again. Not only will this save oil painting students money, but it will also cut down on messes during cleanup.

Begin by Teaching Shading Techniques with a Painted Sample

Many people that are just getting started when teaching oil painting classes do not know where or how to begin. Teaching involves more than handing someone a brush and an example photo or painting. Begin by teaching shading techniques. Have a black and white sample that includes painted boxes with gradual shade differences. Have new oil painting students mix their black and white paint and copy your sample on canvas for the very first class. This is another one of the best tips when just getting started. Students must have a grasp of shade differences to create quality works of art. In time they will learn how to gray down and brighten colors by gradually mixing the paint.

Host live demonstrations techniques during classes at least once every two or three months. Do not simply turn the students loose with a sample painting and materials. Demonstrate your particular technique when teaching, and allow them to discover their own. The very best oil painting teachers are those that accept other methods as well, and they will also learn from their students.

Source: Three Years of Oil Painting Classes with Alice Phillips