Alla Prima Oil Painting Still Life Workshop | Lauren Jones
This two-day oil painting workshop offers an immersive introduction to alla prima (wet-on-wet) painting, focusing on still life and observational practice. Through a series of guided exercises, demonstrations, and studio sessions, students will explore drawing, tone, colour mixing, and composition in a supportive and relaxed environment.
The workshop emphasises learning through doing, encouraging students to work intuitively, build confidence, and embrace a more expressive, process-driven approach to painting. Day one focuses on foundational skills including drawing, tonal understanding, and colour mixing, while day two expands into still life painting, composition, and developing a personal approach to subject matter.
Suitable for beginner to advanced students, this workshop is designed to strengthen both technical skills and creative confidence.
What will I learn?
By the end of the workshop, students will:
- Understand the fundamentals of alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting
- Develop skills in observational tonal studies and mark-making
- Apply the “thick over thin” principle in oil painting
- Explore composition and still life arrangement
- Build confidence working intuitively and letting go of perfectionism
- Complete a several studies and a resolved painting
Who is this course suitable for?
This workshop welcomes beginners and anyone with some experience. Some experience in oils is helpful.
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What do I need to bring?
Oil Paints
A basic palette (professional or student grade):
- Titanium White (150ml)
- Cadmium Yellow Light (40ml)(or similar warm yellow)
- Lemon Yellow (40ml)
- Yellow Ochre 40ml
- Cadmium Red Light (or similar warm red) 40ml
- Alizarin Crimson (cool red) 40ml
- Ultramarine Blue 40 ml
- Phthalo Blue (or Cerulean Blue) 40ml
- Burnt Umber 40ml
(Note: Black is not essential – we will mix our own darks.)
Brushes
- A selection of flat/square brushes (synthetic or hog hair)
- Small, medium, and large sizes (e.g. 4, 6, 8, 10 or similar)
Surfaces
To keep work achievable within the workshop timeframe, please bring:
- Canvas or canvas paper / boards
- Maximum size: A3 (approx. 30 x 40 cm)
- Recommended:
- 1–2 x A3 surfaces
- 3–5 x A4 oil canvas paper sheets (for studies)
Drawing Materials
- A4 sketch pad
- Pencils (HB–2B)
- Soft pastels (for tonal exercises) 1 – 4 tones.
- Brown paper (optional but recommended)
Palette & Tools
- Palette (wood, glass, or disposable palette pad)
- Palette knife (for mixing and scraping)
Solvent & Cleaning
- Odourless solvent (e.g. Gamsol or low-odour turps) 500ml
- Small container/jar for solvent
- Rags or paper towels
Additional Items
- Apron or old shirt
- Gloves (optional)
- Small rubbish bag
- Glad wrap or container for storing paint overnight
Optional
- Personal objects for still life (Day 2)
- Reference images (if desired)
Lauren will have a still life display along with reference images.
Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.
What is provided?
- Easels
- Chairs
- Tables
- Cardboard for practice
- Tea and coffee (please bring your own mug)
- A friendly and supportive environment
- Connection to the Bienarté art community
Useful Information
<p>This two-day oil painting workshop offers an immersive introduction to <em>alla prima</em> (wet-on-wet) painting, focusing on still life and observational practice. Through a series of guided
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