Learn to Paint with Oil with Chris Pothier

Painting with oil may seem like a daunting concept for some, but the best way to learn the methods of oil painting is to start out with very simple, very basic techniques. This class is for those who have never used oil paint before, or have used it in the past and need a refresher. We will start with the most basic aspects of the medium. Color-mixing will be a huge focus for this class. We will mix various values of simple color, using just white and brown or black, to make a value chart. Then we will do a few simple studies, using two tones only, of basic objects displayed, on canvas or board. After doing this, we will slowly introduce color and begin the practice of color-matching and will make a color wheel. These methods will show you the strength and weaknesses of the pigment within the colors. If time allows, we may get into some drying media that will help the paint dry faster. All in all, this will act as a foundation for later, more advanced oil painting techniques.

This is an 8-week course starting on Tuesday, March 5th and running every Tuesday evening through Tuesday, April 23rd. 

About the Instructor

Chris Pothier has made his living as an artist/painter for 24 years. Using oil as his primary medium, he paints the figure, in a semi-classical, narrative way. He also paints many portraits and other commissioned works of art and even (occasionally) some really large murals. Originally from eastern Massachusetts, he settled in The Dalles with his wife, Kathy, and three sons in 2016 and consider this their permanent home. Chris has exhibited his paintings across the US and also at the European Museum of Modern Art and The US Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. He is primarily represented by Bowersock Gallery in Provincetown, Mass. You can see he work at www.cwapothier.com.

Materials Cost:

$50 Included into Class Fee

Class Fee:

$325 members

$350 non-members

What to Bring:

Bring any paint materials or tools you may have, including brushes, palette knives, oil paint or medium and canvas boards or panels you have already. We will purchase the materials needed for the class. Make sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, but we will have aprons, if needed.