
4-Week Beginners Oil Painting Course: Level 1
Established in 2009 and run by professional artists and highly qualified teachers, Fitzroy Painting for Beginners began when a need for a ‘back to basics’ method of teaching was identified.
This 4 - week course is designed for the complete beginner as an introduction to the fundamentals of oil painting, including how to select the right mediums and materials, preparing to paint, basic colour theory, techniques and composition. Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one tuition.
You will learn the basics of oil painting through a series of exercises, making paintings as you go, and should be able to continue painting with confidence at home. Our studio-based classes are fun and informative and include wine, cheese and refreshments to keep you going. Visit our website for more information and to see examples of student work:
About your tutors:
John R. Neeson is a well known Melbourne based Artist/Educator. He has extensive teaching experience at a number of schools including the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne Polytechnic and Monash University. He has a PhD from Monash University and as a Samstag Scholar a research qualification from The Royal College of Art, London.
Adriane Strampp graduated from Monash University in 2010 with a Master of Fine Art (by Research). She has had over 30 solo exhibitions, been a finalist for numerous major prizes and is represented in Sydney by King Street Gallery , Gallerysmith in Melbourne, Hill Smith Gallery in Adelaide, and Jan Manton Art in Brisbane.
Ebony Truscott is an Australian artist employing observational realism in painting and works on paper. Her work is marked by an interest in human sensation and perception, particularly the relationship between sight and touch. She has taught at the National Gallery of Australia, The University of Melbourne and the Victorian College of the Arts.
- Introduction to oil painting: use of materials, understanding colour, tone and composition
- How to develop your work and continue painting at home
- Practical demonstrations and safe studio practice
- Individual attention and support
- Insight into the practical application of art materials and techniques
- Step-by-step guidance by professional artists
- Gourmet refreshments
- Your own paintings to take home and proudly display
- The opportunity to learn in a relaxing and supportive environment, and make new friends
- Use of studio equipment, including low-toxic, low-odour solvents and mediums, safe clean-up materials and many extras!
- Your own materials and oil sketch paper (or hire a kit from us, all materials supplied). Materials list attached to booking confirmation and on our website, www.fitzroypainting.com
Casual clothes, aprons provided. Painting can be messy!
Complete beginners.
If you would like to gift this course AND add on kit hire ($50) OR purchase a kit from us ($100) please add that to the total gift amount.

Fitzroy Painting for Beginners
Vendor since 2013
Established in 2009 and based on the top floor of a Victorian heritage building overlooking bustling Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Painting for Beginners is the original and best of private art classes in Fitzroy! A working artists studio, the space provides a great environment to develop your painting and drawing skills with the expert support and guidance of highly qualified teachers and full-time professional artists.
Our 4 - Week Beginners Courses are designed for the complete beginner, taking you through a series of exercises and building your skills week by week as you produce paintings to take home. Students may choose to continue to our Beginners Course: Level 2. Ongoing students are supported to help develop their own direction, with optional exercises offered to expand on skills and knowledge, and our Atelier students are assisted in taking it to the next level in professional practice.
Love the class? All students wishing to extend their course may purchase 4 or 8 - week blocks for ongoing students at a discounted rate. Some of our students have gone on to Higher Education courses and are now exhibiting professionally!
Need to miss a class? We understand busy lives and offer flexibility - just let us know in advance and we'll credit you a class. (Maximum of 2 changes per 8 weeks, ongoing and Atelier students only).
Evening classes include wine and cheese, and morning classes include tea, coffee and cakes. Classes run for 3 hours and basic equipment is available for student use at the studio, including easels, aprons, palettes and drawing boards. We believe in safe studio-practice and provide low-toxic, low-odour materials for student use, as well as high-quality clean-up materials for brushes and hands. We also have storage facilities if you wish to keep your materials at the studio.
Each student works at their own pace and receives one-on-one attention, and all students are invited to exhibit in our annual end of year exhibition, a fun opportunity to show family and friends what you’ve been doing!
Visit our website for more info and pictures of student work. www.fitzroypainting.com
Course refund policy:
- Full refunds for cancellations can be given up to 30 days before the course commencement date. If available, we are happy to transfer you to another course or workshop at a later date with 30 days notice.
- A 50% refund will be given for cancellations up to 10 days before the course commencement date.
- No refund will be given after 10 days before the course commencement date. Under exceptional circumstances a full refund will be given regardless of date of cancellation.
- No make-up classes can be offered for our beginners courses.
- Please note there is a $30 fee deducted on all refunds.
Bookings and class cancellations policy:
Due to the high demand for classes and small number of places available in our 4-week beginners course, Fitzroy Painting is unable to swap, substitute or offer ‘make-up’ classes. Ongoing students please contact us if you are unable to attend a class. Absences without notification will forfeit the full class/course fee and receive no credit.
Should Fitzroy Painting be forced to cancel a class students will be notified as soon as possible prior to the scheduled class and will receive a credit for a replacement class or a refund as required.
Uncollected materials and artworks will be disposed of at the end of each year.
08 January 2019 • 4-Week Beginners Oil Painting Course: Level 1
Fully enjoyed the classes in this course. Adriane's studio space is airy and cosy, and Kez is an amazing teacher who is able to create a relaxed atmosphere yet paces the class effectively so we can get through our paintings within the sessions. Nibbles help too! Highly recommend.
11 December 2018 • 4-Week Beginners Oil Painting Course: Level 1
I’m so glad that I attended the 4-Week Beginners Oil Painting Course, I walked away with so much needed fundamental principals, each week is a block of a clever modular building approach and at the end of the course all comes together in the final painting exercise. I had the privilege to learn from Adrianne and John both are very professional and excellent teachers, John’s watchful aye followed by on the spot advice and demonstration saved me from reinforcing my mistakes, thanks to Adrianne now I think about color harmony and I’m getting better at planning and organising my palette. Highly recommended.
14/12/2018
Thank you Othmaro, it was a pleasure to have you in the studio, and hope that you're inspired with all the new skills you've picked up. Best wishes, Adriane
25 November 2018 • 4-Week Beginners Oil Painting Course: Level 1
I was a total beginner at painting and I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Adriane is a great teacher, giving tips on how to improve, the people in the class were also lovely, got to create some nice paintings, plus it had cheese, wine... what more could you ask for! Would definitely recommend.
14/12/2018
Thanks Maria, glad you enjoyed it and hope you are continuing to draw and paint at home!