Service Description

We are very excited to launch this brand-new course as the first in our 2026 program! This 4-week Oil Painting Course at The Five Villages Hall explores the human form through dramatic close-ups — inspired by the striking figure photography of Bill Brandt. Who’s It For? This course is designed for artists who want to deepen their understanding of figure structure, anatomy, and expressive brushwork. We’ll take inspiration from Brandt’s bold compositions and lighting to create figure paintings that feel both sculptural and intimate. What You’ll Learn Over 4 weeks, we’ll work towards a single close-up figure study that emphasises structure, tone, and mark-making. You’ll learn: ✨ The Zorn Palette – a classic limited palette of just four colours: Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ivory Black, and Titanium White. Despite its simplicity, it allows you to mix all the warm and cool flesh tones you need — giving your painting natural harmony while keeping the focus on value, structure, and brushwork. 🦴 Bone & muscle landmarks – understanding the forms that anchor every pose. 📐 Close-up composition – cropping and perspective for intensity and impact. 💡 Dramatic light & shadow – handling chiaroscuro for sculptural effect. By the end, you’ll have a powerful figure painting that captures both the physical presence and the abstract beauty of the human form. Techniques We’ll Cover 🖌️ Underpainting – blocking the essential structure in bold, simple shapes. 🎨 Planes of the body – breaking the figure into geometric planes for clarity of light. 💡 High-contrast tonal work – translating Brandt’s photographic drama into oils. 🌑 Negative space & cropping – creating tension through unusual viewpoints. 🖌️ Brushstroke directionality – sculpting the figure with painterly anatomy. ✨ Blending methods – feathering, wet-into-wet, and scumbling for atmospheric and realistic effects. What’s Included ✔️ 30x40cm Linen Canvas (great for subtle blending). ✔️ All essential painting materials* *Please bring your own oil brushes and apron. A mix of flats, filberts, and a couple of fine rounds is ideal for this course, allowing bold sweeps and delicate anatomical accents. Course Details 📍 Location: The Five Villages Hall, Station Rd, Backford, Chester, CH1 6NT 📅 When: Wednesday mornings, 10 am – 12 pm ✨ Spaces are limited — book early to secure your spot! Got questions? Contact Dan directly — we’re always happy to help. *Photograph by Bill Brandt, BAIE DES ANGES, FRANCE, 1958*