Learn art theory and history with our Art Courses in Sydney!
Are you fascinated by the timeless beauty of oil paintings but unsure how they came to dominate the art world? Join this class to uncover the rich history of oil painting, from its mysterious early uses in the East to its explosion across Renaissance Europe and into the modern age. You’ll learn how advances in materials and technology from handmade pigments to the invention of the tin paint tube reshaped how artists worked.Whether you're an artist, art lover, or history enthusiast, you’ll take home a deeper appreciation of art, not just from a visual perspective but through its material and historical evolution.
By the end of this oil painting history and art appreciation course, you should be able to:
- Describe the historical development of oil painting across different regions and periods.
- Identify major artists and movements that contributed to the spread of oil painting.
- Recognise specific oil painting techniques and their historical significance.
- Discuss how technological and industrial changes impacted oil painting practices.
- Analyse artworks with a deeper material and historical understanding.
What will be covered in this Art History Course?
- Early uses of oil painting before the 15th century (Bamiyan caves, medieval painting manuals).
- The rise of oil painting in Northern Europe (Jan Van Eyck, Robert Campin).
- Antonello da Messina and the spread of oil painting to Italy.
- Differences in oil painting approaches across Europe (Renaissance to Baroque).
- The impact of the Industrial Revolution on oil painting materials and techniques.
You will learn
- Describe the historical development of oil painting
- Identify key artists and movements in oil painting history
- Analyse artworks with historical and material insight
You will get
- Deep understanding of the history of oil painting
- Awareness of technological changes in painting practices
- Insight into different regional painting techniques
Appropriate for
Anyone with a passion for art, from complete beginners to those with intermediate knowledge wishing to broaden their understanding of art history.
What to bring
- A notebook and pen for notes and observations.
- Openness to discussion
- A willingness to explore and discuss art across the ages.
What to wear
Casual comfortable clothing.
Dominique Millar
Dominique Millar holds two Master's degrees, one in Italian art history and the other in art curatorship. He is adept at effectively communicating art history to audiences with varying levels of prior knowledge, from beginners to experts. Encouraging active participation in his classes is a key aspect of his teaching approach, driven by his enthusiasm for broadening his students' intellectual horizons.
Organized by
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Introduction to Art History: Oil Paintings
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