Join Christopher Vidal for an immersive three-day workshop exploring the beauty and structure of traditional oil painting using the indirect method — the timeless technique used by the Old Masters and still essential for contemporary realism today.
Over three consecutive days, you’ll be guided through each stage of the indirect process, from the initial drawing to the final details. Working step-by-step on a peaceful landscape featuring a tree, foreground rocks, a small reflective lake, distant mountains, and gentle clouds, you’ll learn how to build depth, harmony and luminosity through successive layers.
What You Will Learn
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How to prepare your surface with an imprimatura and establish values through a monochrome grisaille.
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How to apply a coloured “dead layer” to unify tone and atmosphere.
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How to develop glazes and details to bring your landscape to life with rich colour and texture.
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The practical use of alkyd media to accelerate drying between layers, enabling real progress over three days.
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The principles of light, composition, and atmospheric perspective that create a sense of space and realism.
Course Structure
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Friday 28th Nov, Day 1: Drawing, imprimatura, and grisaille (establishing the composition and tonal values)
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Sat 29th Nov, Day 2: The coloured dead layer (introducing hue and soft transitions)
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Sun 30th Nov, Day 3: Details, textures, and final adjustments (refining and finishing the painting)
Who Is This Workshop For
This workshop is ideal for those with some prior painting experience who wish to deepen their understanding of traditional oil painting processes. Whether you are an experienced acrylic painter moving into oils, or an intermediate artist looking to master glazing and layering, this course will give you lasting technical and artistic insight.
Materials
A full materials list will be provided upon registration. Students may bring their own oil paints or select the materials supplied ticket option. Additional media and canvas will be provided free of charge.
Pricing and Options
- Standard Ticket: $325 – Participants provide their own oil paints and brushes (supply list provided upon registration). Media and canvas will be provided free of charge. Please note that paints have to be artist grade.
- Early Bird Special: $300 – Available for registrations before [insert deadline, e.g., November 1st, 2025]. Bring your own materials.
- Materials Included: $350 – We supply all necessary oils, alkyd medium, brushes, canvas, and extras for a hassle-free experience.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing (oils can be messy!)
- Notebook for tips
Cancellations: Full refund if 21 days prior;
50% within 7 days.
No refunds for late cancellations
