Level 2: Classical Oil Painting

Painting begins in oil using only black and white.

Students start by creating a 9-step value scale, Using Ivory black to pure white, including every nuanced shade of grey in between. This foundational exercise trains the eye to see value relationships with clarity and precision — the cornerstone of strong painting.

From there, students begin grisaille (grey underpainting) applied to:

• Figure studies

• Portraits

• Still life

Working in grisaille develops an understanding of light, volume, and structure without the complexity of color.

Understanding the Painting Process

At this stage, students learn the essential structure of building a painting:

1. Thin underpainting (lean layers)

2. Careful inking or outlining of the drawing

3. Establishing shadow masses

4. Developing mid-tones

5. Placing lights

6. Finishing with thick, opaque highlights

This layered approach follows the classical “fat over lean” principle, ensuring both technical integrity and archival stability.

Progression Into Color

Once students demonstrate control of value and form in black and white, they advance to:

• Monochrome painting (one color plus white)

• A limited color palette, allowing the student to understand color harmony, temperature, and mixing paint  without overwhelming them. 

This gradual progression ensures confidence, control, and mastery at every stage.