Workshops

Whether you're a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced painter seeking to refine your skills, my online oil painting workshops will help you paint with confidence and purpose. These interactive sessions go beyond technical instruction, strengthening how you see, plan, and execute your compositions—skills that apply to any artistic practice, regardless of medium.

 

Each workshop focuses on designing and painting a scene using the fundamental “fat over lean” technique, a core principle in oil painting that ensures repeatable, satisfying results. Whether you prefer working in the studio or painting en plein air, these methods will enhance your creative process.

 

What You’ll Learn

 

In addition to understanding the versatility and advantages of oil painting, my workshops emphasize four key principles:

 

• Design – Select a compelling scene, establish a focal point, and structure a composition that effectively communicates your vision.

• Values – Identify and apply the darkest darks, lightest lights, and mid-tones to create depth and atmosphere.

• Color – Understand color mixing, temperature, and chroma to create harmony and vibrancy in your work.

• Edges – Control soft and hard edges to guide the viewer’s eye and add dimension to your painting.

 

Each session includes live demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on exercises, with real-time feedback and personalized guidance to help you improve your technique and creative proficiency.

 

April Workshop

 

Each workshop consists of three one-hour sessions, and the cost is $350. The next workshop’s dates are as follows:

 

• Saturday, April 12th, 10–11 am

• Saturday, April 19th, 10–11 am

• Saturday, April 26th, 10–11 am

 

All sessions are recorded, allowing you to revisit discussions and demos at your convenience.

 

To register, fill out the form below or contact me directly at truman@trumanfreshour.com.

 

Materials List

 

While my recommended supply list is tailored for oil painters following traditional techniques used since the Renaissance, artists using other mediums are welcome, as the principles of composition, values, color theory, and layering apply universally.

 

Recommended Supplies:

 

• Oil Paints – Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Phthalo Green, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black. (A simplified palette of red, yellow, blue, white, and black will also work.)

• Solvents & Mediums  – Gamsol or odorless mineral spirits, linseed oil/oil medium.

• Tools – Palette knife, palette, paper towels, plastic bag for disposal, cups for thinner and medium.

• Drawing Supplies – Drawing paper, pencils, erasers.

• Brushes – Stiff natural bristle brushes and soft synthetic bristle brushes.

• Surface – Stretched canvas or canvas panel (6x8", 8x10", or up to 9x12").​​​

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