From pigment to paint
Weekend-long practical course
30 May 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm31 May 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Terms and conditions
Learn traditional techniques to turn pigment into paint and how to apply these in your own work.
Due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding coronavirus, we regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel all events advertised for 2020 at this moment. If you have purchased tickets to an event, please contact us on 0207 300 8090 or tickets@royalacademy.org.uk and include your order number to arrange a refund. We aim to reply within 5 working days.
Natural and synthetic materials have been used to make pigments for some of the earliest cave paintings as well as iconic contemporary artworks. Binders which enable pigments to adhere to a surface have historically ranged from blood, animal fats and glues to beeswax, egg, oils and acrylics. This effective combination of sophisticated ingredients is as much an art as it is a science.
Mixing linseed oil with coloured pigments to make oil paints was first documented in the Middle Ages, most notably by Theophilus, the author of De Diversis Artibus, a treatise on Christian arts and crafts. Throughout the years, artists such as Jan Van Eyck in the early 15th century turned towards the richness and depth afforded by oil paints, in comparison to the traditional egg tempera binders prevalent during this period.
The focus of this weekend course will be an in-depth exploration of how pigments move to paints by understanding the range of techniques which oil painters have employed across various eras. On the first day, Andy Pankhurst will teach participants different methods of creating pigments which will then be utilised on the second day for painting. Designed to be materials intensive, you will be able to further your knowledge of the origins of oil paint and create your own variations of application on surfaces.
Andy Pankhurst is a figurative painter who graduated from Slade School of Fine Art in 1992. He received the Windsor and Newton Young Artist's Award and currently exhibits with Browse and Darby.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk
Our courses and classes programme
Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes team by calling 020 7300 5684 or email academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk