Have you always wanted to learn how to paint with oils but didn’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you’ve painted before and would like to build your confidence and develop your skills?

This course is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some painting experience. Over eight weeks you’ll learn the fundamentals of oil painting, including colour mixing, brush techniques, composition, light and shadow, and how to create paintings with depth and atmosphere.
Working from inspiring subjects including still life, landscapes and everyday objects, you’ll learn to simplify what you see and translate it into expressive, confident paintings.

Oil paints have a unique richness and timeless quality, allowing colours to blend beautifully and giving you time to slow down, observe and enjoy the creative process. Throughout the course, Vicki will share demonstrations, practical techniques and individual guidance to help you develop your own artistic style in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

Whether your goal is to learn something new, reconnect with your creativity or simply enjoy painting each week, this course offers the perfect place to begin.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the basic materials used in oil painting.
• Mix a wide range of colours using a limited palette.
• Develop confidence using a variety of brushes and techniques.
• Understand basic composition and design principles.
• Explore expressive brushwork and paint application.
• Complete a few finished oil paintings.
• Develop observational skills and learn to “see” like an artist.
• Develop greater confidence in your own creative abilities.

What to bring:

Oil paints – limited palette:

• Titanium White (Large Tube)
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium Yellow Medium (or Hue)
• Cadmium Red Light (or Hue)
• Alizarin Crimson Permanent
• Burnt Umber
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cerulean Blue
• Recommended brands: Art Spectrum (Australian made) or Winsor & Newton.
• Tip: Purchase the best quality you can comfortably afford. You’ll enjoy painting much more with fewer good-quality paints than lots of inexpensive colours.

A selection of oil painting brushes:

• Filbert No. 8
• Filbert No. 4
• Round No. 2
• Recommended: Alesandro 3100F Bristle Hog brushes (The Sydney Art Store) – very good value.
• Tip: Good brushes are one of the best investments you’ll make. A quality brush, cared for properly, will last for many years.

• Palette (White oval palette (plastic or laminate), or Disposable palette paper

There are many types of palettes available, including wooden, glass and disposable palette paper. The best palette is the one that feels comfortable for you to use. My personal preference is a traditional wooden palette with a white laminated surface. Before I begin painting, I cover it with clear adhesive contact. This creates a smooth, easy-to-clean mixing surface and protects the palette underneath. When it is well used, I simply peel it off and replace it with a new sheet. A neutral white surface also makes it much easier to judge the true colour of your paint mixtures.

Mediums:

• Odourless Mineral Spirits (Turps)
• Linseed Oil
• Recommended: Archival Oils range from Eckersley’s.
• Palette knife
• Canvas or canvas board (first painting on approx. 30x40cm)
• 2 old tea towels
• A4 Visual Art diary
• Pencil and eraser

Please contact Vicki Peck if you have any questions hello@vickipeck.com.au or 0404 006 079.

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

I am Vicki — artist, art educator, and art therapist behind Vicki Peck Art.

Art has always been part of my life, but what was once a personal passion has grown into a full and evolving creative career. Today, I spend my days creating my own work, teaching across a range of settings, and supporting others to explore their creativity in a way that feels accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful.

I run weekly art classes for children, teens, and adults, offer private tuition from my home studio, teach at a local college – SGSCC, and facilitate art therapy sessions within the community. I also host workshops and paint & sip events throughout the year.

My approach is grounded in the belief that art is for everyone — not just those who think they’re “good at it.” Whether someone is picking up a pencil for the first time, returning to creativity after years away, or using art as a way to process and heal, my role is to create a space where they feel supported, capable, and inspired.

Originally from South Africa, I moved to Australia in 2005 after spending time in the UK. My creative path has taken a few turns along the way, but it has always led me back here — to building a life centred around art, connection, and community.

I’m incredibly grateful to do this work, and to the people who continue to support and grow alongside me.

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.