What to Expect at Your First Oil Painting Class

A Day of Painting with Mark

So you have booked your first oil painting class. Perhaps you are excited, perhaps a little nervous, or most likely a mixture of both. That is completely natural, and I want you to know that by the end of the day, you will wonder what you were ever worried about.

Having taught hundreds of complete beginners who walked in with trepidation and left with huge smiles and finished paintings, I can tell you exactly what a typical day looks like.

Before You Arrive

What to Wear

Oil paint does not wash out of clothes easily, so wear something you would not mind getting a spot of paint on. Dark colours are a sensible choice, and layers are a good idea so you can adjust to the room temperature. I do provide aprons, but a stray brushstroke can still find its way to a sleeve or trouser leg. Leave the designer clothes at home for this one.

What to Bring

Honestly, just yourself and an open mind. All painting materials, brushes, canvases, paints, easels, and mediums are provided as part of the class fee. You do not need to buy or bring anything. If you wear glasses for close work, bring those along. And a camera or smartphone is handy if you want to photograph your progress throughout the day.

The Day Timeline

9:30 AM — Arrival and Welcome

Classes are held at the Seasalter Christian Centre, a friendly and well-equipped venue that provides a comfortable painting environment with good light and plenty of space. There is parking available, and the venue is easy to find.

When you arrive, I will show you to your easel station. Everything will be set up and ready — canvas, brushes, paints, and tools all within reach. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and chat with your fellow painters. Most classes have between eight and twelve people, which means plenty of individual attention.

10:00 AM — Introduction and Getting Started

We begin with a brief introduction to the wet-on-wet technique and the tools we will be using. I explain the basic principles, demonstrate how to load brushes and use the palette knife, and walk you through the painting we will be tackling that day. You will see the reference painting so you know what we are working towards.

Then we dive in. The first step is always applying Liquid White to your canvas — that thin, wet base coat that makes the entire technique work. I demonstrate this on my canvas at the front of the room, and you follow along on yours.

10:15 AM — Painting the Sky

We start with the sky, which is always the first element in a wet-on-wet landscape. I demonstrate the brushwork and colour mixing on my canvas, explaining each step as I go. Then you paint the same element on yours. We work at a comfortable pace, and I move around the room checking on everyone's progress, offering tips, making adjustments, and answering questions.

This pattern continues throughout the day: I demonstrate a section, you paint it, and I circulate to provide individual guidance. No one gets left behind.

Late Morning — Mountains, Water, and Background Elements

As the morning progresses, we add the major background elements. This might include mountains (always a crowd favourite), distant tree lines, lakes, or whatever the specific painting calls for. Each element builds on the one before, and you will start to see your landscape taking shape.

This is usually the point where the nervous energy in the room transforms into genuine excitement. People start to relax, enjoy the process, and surprise themselves with what they are creating.

12:30 PM — Lunch Break

We break for lunch around half twelve. This is a good time to step back from your painting, stretch your legs, and refuel. Some students bring a packed lunch, and there are also local options nearby. The break usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.

Lunch is also a wonderful social time. People swap stories, compare notes, laugh about their "happy accidents," and enjoy the camaraderie that develops over a shared creative experience.

1:30 PM — Afternoon Detail Work

The afternoon session is where the painting really comes to life. We add trees, foliage, foreground details, paths, fences, rocks, grasses — all the elements that transform a backdrop into a complete, finished landscape.

This is also where highlights are applied, which is often the most dramatic part of the day. Adding bright highlights to trees and foliage makes them pop off the canvas, and painting in the final foreground details ties everything together. The transformations that happen in the afternoon are often astonishing.

3:30 PM — Finishing Touches

We spend the final portion of the class on finishing touches. This includes any last details, adjustments, and refinements. I will come around to each person individually to offer suggestions for any final tweaks that might strengthen their painting. This is also when you sign your masterpiece with the liner brush.

4:00 PM — Wrap Up and Head Home

By four o'clock, your painting is complete. We gather for a group viewing where everyone can see each other's work and appreciate the wonderful variety of results. Even though everyone paints the same subject, each painting has its own unique character and personality. It is always a joy to see the range of interpretations.

Your painting will still be wet when you leave, so I provide guidance on how to transport it home safely. Oil paint takes about a week to be dry to the touch, so you will need to keep it somewhere safe and flat while it cures. After that, it is ready to frame and hang.

The Atmosphere

The most important thing about my classes is the atmosphere: relaxed, encouraging, and fun. There is no pressure, no judgement, and no competition. Whether this is your first time holding a paintbrush or you want to refine existing skills, you will feel welcome and supported.

I play background music, encourage conversation, and maintain a pace that allows everyone to keep up. My goal is not just to teach you to paint — it is to give you an experience you will remember and want to repeat.

"I booked Mark's class as a birthday treat for myself, not really expecting much. It turned out to be one of the best days I have had in years. The atmosphere was so relaxed, Mark was endlessly patient and encouraging, and I could not believe what I managed to paint. I have already booked my next class." — Helen, Herne Bay

Ready to Book?

I hope this has given you a clear picture of what to expect and has settled any nerves you might have. Every single person who comes to my classes is glad they did — and most of them come back for more.

Check the book a class page for upcoming dates, or contact Mark if you have any questions at all. You can also browse the gallery to see the kinds of paintings my students have produced. I look forward to meeting you at the easel.