Painting 1

Returns Term 1 2027

Duration: 12 weeks

Tutor:

Hours: 12 - 3pm / 6:30 - 9:30pm

Level: Beginners

Price: $1036.80 TAR Member / $1152 Non-Member

PAINTING 1 is an intensive and content-rich program, blending a robust mix of theoretical principles and practical applications.

Jennifer Whitten teaches every student with the belief that they aspire to be artists, seeking the knowledge and information essential for establishing a sustained and enduring artistic practice.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist seeking to elevate your practice or a beginner taking your first strokes, our Painting 1 course equips you with a strong technical base. The initial focus on black and white explores essential elements like form, value, and observational skills, while the second half delves into the intricacies of color theory and mixing.

Using oil as the exclusive medium, the course fosters diverse approaches from life painting to art history exploration. Balancing creativity with technical mastery, our supportive environment ensures you gain the confidence to execute your ideas independently. The ultimate aim? Empowering you for a self-driven painting journey.

FAQs

Painting 1 is suitable for: +

Beginners & students of all levels wishing to improve their painting abilities. Painting 1 is a treasure trove of practical tips, good habits and motivational ways to expand your practice, whatever your initial skill level.

When does this course run? +

This course runs in Terms 1 and 3 only, with Painting 2 following in Terms 2 and 4.

What materials are required? +

The Brush & Paint Starter Pack includes all the art materials you’ll need for this course, and beyond. It includes a carefully selected array of brushes, specific oil paints designed to correlate with Colour Theory, palette knife, paint scraper and visual diary in a TAR Tote.

Materials provided: +

2x canvases, canvas paper, solvent, clove oil, graphite paper, compostable cling wrap, rags. * There are a number of materials needed for clean up and management. While general materials are provided, students find it convenient to have their own - both to expedite clean up at the end of class and manage working at home. An itemised materials list will be sent to you upon booking.

Homework +

None of the work outside of class is mandatory but there is an expectation that you will take responsibility for and develop autonomy in your own practice. The more you put into the experience of this course, the more you will gain from it; the pace at which you progress is entirely up to you.

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Jennifer has developed extra exercises because they help cement/expand what you learned in class that week. Plus, painting at home is a different experience to being in class. Working in class offers direct access to guidance and the energy and enthusiasm of your classmates, while working from home often provides a space for quiet focus and an opportunity to synthesise information on your own. Both approaches are important!

Projects +

If you’re unable to finish a project - that’s okay! The purpose of the projects within this course are to teach you the skills and ideas first and foremost; finishing the projects is a boon. If you haven’t completed a project in time you can take it home with you and finish it outside of class, Jennifer will teach you how to set up your space to do so.

Mediums +

We only touch on mediums briefly in this course. Because of the complexity and scope of the topic there is a separate course Painting 2 - which covers this aspect of oil painting in depth. Painting 1 was designed to segue perfectly into Painting 2, so taking this course will prepare you to get the most out of Painting 2.

Storage & Transfer +

You will have your own cubby for the duration of the course that can fit one painting; so at the conclusion of a project, you’ll need to take your painting home to make space for the next one. If you also decide to work at home you’ll need to transport your canvas (a pizza box is the perfect size), and for transporting materials you can use everything from the TAR Tote to tackle boxes, easel boxes to cases on wheels.

Missed Class +

If you miss a class it’s imperative that you read/watch the resources shared in the accompanying private forum that week, and come to the following class prepared.

Testimonials

"I have been a perpetual beginner, going to art/painting classes over the years—whilst they have all been great and I’ve learned a lot, this class has been the best I’ve ever taken and I’ve so many moments of ‘penny-dropping’ understanding of familiar concepts. Really exciting & edifying & inspiring & motivating. Don’t change anything, I may want to do it again."

"Jen is such a knowledgeable and passionate teacher. Her enthusiasm is contagious"

"The considerable amount of effort and thought that you’ve put into developing this course really shines through. Especially the deep consideration towards developing engaging projects that demonstrate what you’re teaching. ...I can safely say that I don’t think I’ve come across a teacher who was more dedicated and passionate about their field than you have been. It’s inspirational to see!"

"I wish all my past teachers had even a fraction of Jen’s dedication. Seriously."

"The course was everything and more that I hoped it could be, and Jen's dedication and enthusiasm was inspiring. I don't have a single negative thing to say and would recommend it to others without hesitation."

"Jen was awesome! Supportive and passionate"

"Thanks so much for a really wonderful 12 lessons of learning. Your boundless enthusiasm and incredible depth of knowledge and expertise have made this program an absolutely fantastic experience for me. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned. I hope to take (many!!!) other courses run by you!"

"YOU ARE AMAZING JEN. THANK YOU!"

"...no other class that I have attended in the past has lived up to its promise of helpful information but Jen’s class has met and exceeded my expectations. I believe I have enough knowledge to continue to paint in oil. Would definitely recommend the class to anyone who loves oil painting but doesn’t know how to begin."

"Jen was supportive of each person's capability and was encouraging to all present."

"You’re an amazing, thoughtful, articulate teacher and you’re the reason I’ve fallen head over heels for painting. I particularly love telling everyone I know how much I love this class. Don’t change a thing! Can’t wait for glazing."

"What I liked about the course: everything, I learnt a lot about painting and began to find out about my relationship to painting as a practice for myself."

"I only have positive things to say about the class...the structure, content, style, delivery and support exceeded all expectations."

"Perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve learned from the whole course is that painting is a process. Learn the process, practice the process, trust the process, (love the process!)"