Oil Painting Class: Water Mixable Oils

Join us for a creative oil painting class in Leeds!



2 hours Location Chapel Allerton Class size 5 to 10 guests   £30
Leeds Activities
•
Art
•
Painting
Map out your portrait contour

Map Out Your Portrait Contour

Settle into your easel and get cozy in the studio. We’ll start by mapping out your portrait with light, clear pencil lines, breaking complex features down into simple value zones—no previous drawing experience needed!


Establish the Darkest Values

Establish the Darkest Values

Pick up your brush and lay down the darkest tones first. Painting the deep shadows around the eyes, lips, and nostrils immediately anchors your portrait and builds dramatic contrast.


Block in your smooth mid-tones

Block in Your Smooth Mid-tones

Brush across the main planes of the face with a warm, soft mid-tone glaze. Watching the flat pencil sketch quickly turn into a three-dimensional form is pure magic.


Sculpt form with shadow values

Sculpt Form with Shadow Values

Add richer shadow layers along the cheekbones, neck, and nose. With step-by-step guidance, you'll learn how small value shifts create realistic depth and structure effortlessly.


Blend transitions seamlessly

Blend Transitions Seamlessly

Gently feather wet oil paint to soften harsh edges and blend light into shadow. Take a step back and admire how realistic skin tones and soft lighting take shape right before your eyes.


Pop the highlights & complete your portrait

Pop the Highlights & Complete Your Portrait

Dab bright accent highlights on the nose, lips, and eyes to make your portrait pop off the page! You'll head home with a stunning monochrome portrait, framed by your new oil painting skills.


In this welcoming oil painting workshop in Leeds, you’ll learn the foundations of colour mixing, brushwork, composition, and confident mark-making. You’ll create a small oil painting to take home, with friendly guidance throughout.
No previous experience is needed: you’ll be shown each step clearly and encouraged to work at your own pace. The activity begins with a simple demonstration before you explore oils on canvas using brushes, palette knives, and a carefully chosen colour palette.
You’ll learn how to layer paint, mix tones, add texture, and make thoughtful adjustments without pressure. As you paint, you’ll likely feel calmer, more focused, and pleasantly surprised by what you can achieve.
By the end, you’ll have a finished artwork, new skills, and the confidence to continue creating at home. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a joyful experience and a unique oil painting ready to display or gift proudly!
What you'll get
  • A completed oil painting to take home!
  • All materials are not provided.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
Just yourself!
Suitable for

This class is great for a birthday or hen do.

Location

Leeds Media Centre, Savile Mount, Leeds

Oil Painting Class: Water Mixable Oils location
More info

This class is new, and is covered by ClassBento's money-back guarantee.

Your teacher

Marcia Brown
Marcia Brown

female Women-owned

Hi, I’m Marcia! Welcome to my studio.
My love affair with painting started over a decade ago. And picking up a paintbrush in the evenings was the only thing that truly allowed my mind to switch off from work. The pivotal moment came during a particularly stressful month when I hosted a low-pressure fluid painting night in my living room for three close friends. Watching their shoulders drop and hearing the studio fill with laughter made it click: art isn't just about the final canvas—it's about the therapy of the process. Shortly after, I decided to take the leap and turn my passion into a full-time studio.
Why I Love Teaching
For me, teaching isn't about lecturing or strict rules. It’s about creating an inviting, relaxed atmosphere where you can drop your worries at the door, try something new, and surprise yourself with what you can make. There is nothing better than watching someone walk into the studio saying "I don't have a creative bone in my body" and leave two hours later holding a piece of art they're genuinely proud of!
A Little Background & Credentials
Experience & Reach: Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the joy of teaching more than 600 students—from absolute beginners taking their very first workshop to corporate teams looking for a creative team-building break.
Background: I hold BA and MA (Hons) degrees in Fine Art from Leeds Beckett University and have previously taught at the then Leeds College of Art and Swarthmore Education Centre. I am also a qualified Art Teacher (QTS).
Features: My work and workshops have been featured in Yorkshire Bylines publications, the British Library, Leeds Art Gallery and Museum.
Something Most People Don't Know
A quick fun fact: Most people don't realise that making a 'mistake' in painting is often just the setup for the best layer of the piece! When I'm not in the studio, you'll find me chilling out on my guitar.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing date night, a fun weekend craft with friends, or just a chance to unwind, I'd love to welcome you into the studio. Grab an apron, and let’s make something great together!
Leeds Activities
•
Art
•
Painting

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2026-11-20 15:00:00
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