Using the traditional indirect method which really brings your paintings to life.

Lucy Fekete, an acclaimed artist and tutor will present a short course designed for artists of all levels of experience. It introduces the techniques involved in the indirect, tonal realist painting method which results in a vibrant interpretation of any subject matter.

A realistic rendering of tonality is one of the keys to exciting painting. The indirect method method is to painting as slow cooking is to food preparation; they both take longer but the results are so much more satisfying.

Course Overview 

Week 1 – Drawing & Tonal Foundation 

• Introduction to the indirect painting method
• Materials overview and fat-over-lean basics
• Toning the surface (imprimatura)
• Accurate drawing and simple tonal block-in

Outcome: A well-prepared canvas with a clear drawing and basic values.

Week 2 – Monochrome Underpainting (Grisaille) 

• Develop the painting using a single colour
• Establish light, shadow, and form
• Focus on values and edge control

Outcome: A complete value-based underpainting.

Week 3 – First Colour Layer 

• Introduction of local colour over the dry underpainting
• Keep colour restrained and opaque
• Maintain the value structure underneath

Outcome: Clear colour relationships without fine detail.

Week 4 – Glazing & Depth 

• Introduction to glazing techniques
• Adjust colour temperature and depth
• Refine form and unify the painting

Outcome: Increased depth, richness, and luminosity.

Week 5 – Refinement & Finishing 

• Final modelling and corrections
• Adding highlights and refining edges
• Knowing when the painting is finished

Outcome: A resolved or near-finished indirect oil painting

By the end of this short course, you will:

• Understand the principles of tonal value and its role in realistic painting.
• Create a tonal underpainting (grisaille) using a limited palette.
• Develop skill in colour mixing and understand complementary relationships.
• Apply transparent glazing techniques to build luminous, dimensional colour.
• Complete at least one finished glazed painting using the Indirect Method.

Materials List:

Painting Surface 

• 1–2 canvas or primed boards (approx A4 - A3 size recommended)
• Acrylic gesso (if surface is unprimed)

Oil Paints (Limited Palette) 

• Titanium White
• Yellow Ochre
• Burnt Umber
•  Burnt Sienna
• Ultramarine Blue
• Alizarin Crimson (or Permanent Rose)
• Cad or Lemon Yellow

Brushes

• A variety of flat or filbert brushes (in small, medium, large sizes)
• Soft brush for blending (optional)
• Older brush for glazing

Mediums & Solvents

• Odourless mineral spirits
• Refined linseed oil
• Small container or jar with lid Drawing & Setup
• Charcoal or graphite pencil
• Kneadable eraser
• Palette (wood, glass, or disposable)
• Palette knife
• Rags or paper towel

Optional Items

• Notebook for notes
• Protective Barrier Cream for your hands (I use Silic 15 by Ego, from Chemist Warehouse) Alternatively you could wear gloves.
• Artist View Catcher or Phone or tablet for reference view.