Finishing Techniques in Oil

This new course will focus primarily on the finishing stages of painting. Working from simple, single object set ups, students will practice techniques to bring their work to a full finish. We will discuss what areas of a set up to include and exclude, plus learn valuable secrets for making an intriguing composition no matter the simplicity of the set up. If you struggle with unfinished pieces because you don’t know where to go with them, this course might be for you.

Thursday evenings, 6PM - 9PM.

April 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2025.

Location: Cocker Fulton Studio

Cost: $180 plus materials

Maximum of 10 students

About the Instructor

Paul Abeleira is a graduate of Western’s Visual Arts program. He continues his own studies in still life and portraiture in workshops  in New York, Wisconsin and Arizona, and has instructed artists in many facets of visual arts. Paul has taught at TAP for over 10 years and has received positive responses from his students who characterize him as a sensitive coach with a broad range of skills and knowledge. He is committed to making the learning experience worthwhile.

MATERIALS (this list is only a guide; slight variations accepted)

4 – stretched canvases (or canvas boards/panels) no larger than 11 x 14 inches

2 – natural hog hair bristle flat or filbert brushes, No. 8

2 – natural hog hair bristle brushes, No. 4

2 – natural hog hair bristle brushes, No. 2

OIL COLOURS

Titanium White

Cadmium Yellow Medium

Yellow Ochre

Cadmium Red Light

Alizarin Crimson

Viridian or Thalo Green

Ultramarine or Thalo Blue

Burnt Sienna

Raw Umber

Ivory Black

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

Odorless thinner (Taltine, Gamsol, Turpenoid)

Brush washer or jar with tight fitting lid (for holding odorless thinner) 

Wooden Palette (for mixing colors); disposable paper palettes also accepted

Painting Knife (optional but handy)

Paper Towels or rags (for clean-up)