About
Paintings by Peter Bruegel the Elder, Jan van Eyck, Raphael, Titian, and Bellini display a vibrancy of color and tone that has persisted for hundreds of years, continuing to captivate audiences today.
In this course, we will explore the techniques employed by these Flemish and Italian masters of the 15th and 16th centuries to achieve such remarkable effects. Specifically, we will focus on the mixed method of egg tempera and oil paint.
This technique combines the strengths of both egg and oil mediums, resulting in greater radiance and richness in the oil colors, enhanced by the luminosity of the tempera base. Peter Bruegel excelled in this method, and its advantages are evident in his paintings—not only in his rich use of color but also in the intricate details that this technique allows.
During this course, students will be instructed in how to make their egg tempera paint which will be used for painting. The tutor will demonstrate mixing pigment with oil to make oil paint, but for the purposes of this course students will need ready oil paint. Additionally, a historical glazing medium, dating back to the 16th century, will be provided for use in the workshop.
Focusing on Bruegel’s painting “The Tower of Babel,” students will gain further hands-on experience by painting a copy of a detailed section of this work. Please note that for the purposes of this course, the focus will be on process rather than creating a full painting.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 31 March – 4 April 2025, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Students should bring:
- a book of tear-off oil painting palette paper, or any oil painting palette that you have. See example here.
- a palette with wells to be used with egg tempera
- pointed, round sable brushes, sizes 1 – 5; The tutor recommends brushes from Green & Stone, Cornelissen, or Winsor & Newton.
- Hog hair, filbert shaped brushes, sizes 2 – 4; The tutor recommends brushes from either Green & Stone or Cornelissen.
- Oil paint: titanium white, zinc white, ultramarine blue, terre verte, alizarin crimson, ivory or lamp black, yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt umber, raw sienna, burnt sienna. 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.
- 1 litre white spirit
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.
