The Essentials of Oil: An Introduction to Oil Painting

TOTAL COST: $155
Course Fee: $125
Non-refundable Material Fee: $30

DATES: SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025
TIME: 9:30AM - 3:30PM PST
LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced
AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)
LOCATION: Building 306, Fort Worden, Port Townsend. 

DESCRIPTION
Curious about oil painting but not sure where to start? The Essentials of Oil is a one-day workshop designed to introduce you to the vibrant, expressive world of oil paints—no prior experience required. Whether you're an artist working in another medium, completely new to painting, or an oil painter looking to explore the dynamic alla prima technique, this class is for you.

Alla prima, meaning “all at once,” is a lively, direct painting method where wet paint is applied over wet layers without waiting for them to dry. It’s favored by plein air landscape and still life artists for its energetic, spontaneous quality—capturing the artist’s gestures and decisions in real time. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll start with guided color mixing exercises to get comfortable handling oils, brushes, and understanding basic color theory. Then, you'll apply your new skills to create a simple still life from observation, learning to work confidently with shape, value, and color in the alla prima style.

All materials are provided, including non-toxic paints, mediums, and thinners, so you just need to show up in your painting clothes—though bringing a sketchbook for notes or quick sketches is optional. To help you continue learning after the class, you’ll receive a PDF review with notes, recommended artists, and resources to deepen your oil painting practice.

Just show up ready to paint—Anne Pfeiffer will guide you through the essentials, helping you unlock the bold, beautiful possibilities of oil painting.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
All materials are provided with the non-refundable material fee. 

Bring a lunch, and students are encouraged to bring a smock or old button up shirt!

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT ANNE
Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

Artist website: Anne Pfeiffer, @annepfeifferartist and @annepfeiffer

DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course’s registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.