About
Workshop offering practical experience into the working methods of master painters of the renaissance. Students will be taken step by step through the various stages of classical painting techniques. Students will be taught about the historical pigments and their origin in the natural world, these include pigments made from earth, semi-precious rocks as well as a range of colours from the plant kingdom.
Renaissance oil painting involves constructing the painting in specific stages – after the preparation of the ground, a tonal composition (imprimatura) is prepared in tones of light and shade. Over this tonal under-painting glazes of colour are then applied in a series of layers. Through this method a dynamic relationship is created between light and shade beneath and the glazes of colour above, this is the key to the chiaroscuro effect whereby light and dark emanates from within the paint layers, resulting in a profound luminosity in the colours as well as depth in the shadow tone.
The aim of this workshop is to offer students a good grounding in the traditional painting practises employed by such artists as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Leonardo Da Vinci. Once understood, these techniques may then be adapted to all styles of painting, figurative, imaginative and abstract.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
All levels of ability and experience welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
14 people
What days do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 10 – 14 March 2025
What materials do I need?
Students are asked to bring:
- Flat oil painting palette, can be wood, plastic or paper
- Oil paint: yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber, terre verte, ultramarine blue, cadmium red (light), cadmium lemon yellow, cadmium orange, alizarin crimson, vine or ivory black, titanium white, and zinc white
The tutor recommends Old Holland, Roberson or Michael Harding oil paints, but any high-quality artists’ oil paint that you have access to will suffice. - Brushes:
- Hog hair filbert brushes: Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The tutor recommends brushes from either Green & Stone or Cornelissen
- Pointed sable brushes: Sizes 1, 2 and 3. The tutor recommends brushes from either Green & Stone or Cornelissen
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for full-time students and Seniors/60+.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Dr. David Cranswick received his MA fine art degree from the Royal Academy of Art. In 1999 he received his PhD from HRH Prince of Wales at St James Palace for practical research into mediaeval and renaissance painting materials and techniques. From 1984 David served as personal apprentice to Cecil Collins until his death in 1989. In 1989 David was invited by Professor Keith Critchlow to run regular workshops to the MA and PhD students, where he continues to teach as senior tutor at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. He teaches regularly in the UK and internationally. David is personal tutor to several Royalties and prominent figures. He has works in royal collections (including King Charles III) also prominent establishments in the UK and abroad. David is resident artist in Cowdray Castle. David has appeared in BBC television programmes and radio interviews. Articles published include art magazines and newspapers. He has exhibited internationally since 1979 and undertaken portrait commissions. In 2024 David received the Teaching Award from King Charles III for 35 years of dedicated teaching. Dr. Cranswick has written a book on desert pigments of AlUla. He is currently writing a book on traditional painting methods.
