About Masterclass: oil painting

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October 2025

10.30am - 4.30pm

Join professional artists Michael Gallone and Sarah Thien for an immersive two-day oil painting masterclass set against an evocative Autumnal theme. This workshop combines expert demonstrations with guided, hands-on painting as you create a complete oil painting from start to finish.

What You'll Learn

Over the course of the two days, you will deepen your understanding of essential painting principles, including:
• Chiaroscuro lighting
• Composition
• Values
• Edges
• Colour

Course Overview

Day 1 – Drawing & Monochrome Underpainting

We begin with building an accurate drawing in paint using the comparative method. You will then create a monochrome underpainting to explore light and form — laying a strong foundation for your finished piece.

Day 2 – Colour & Finishing Touches

We will introduce colour, refine edges, and guide you through the final stages of your painting, helping you bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence.

By the end of the masterclass, you’ll leave with a completed painting and practical skills to elevate your ongoing artistic journey.

Meet the Tutors

Michael Gallone

A classically trained artist, Michael studied at London Fine Arts, where he later taught. He has trained under renowned artists including Steven Assael, Cornelia Hernes, Scott Eaton, and Jeff Legg, and has worked as a storyboard artist and digital sculptor in the video games industry on titles such as The Quarry (Supermassive Games). His work appears in Figure Drawing for Concept Artists and Artists & Illustrators Magazine. Michael co-founded Carmine Crimson Studios in Guildford to help others master traditional techniques in a modern context.

Sarah Thien

Sarah is a professional painter specialising in portraiture and still life. She holds a BA (Hons) in Visual Communication Design from Middlesex University, where she studied under acclaimed illustrator Geoff Grandfield. She went on to train at London Fine Arts Studios with Ann Witheridge, and has studied with esteemed artists including Steven Assael, Cornelia Hernes, Luca Indraccolo, and Charles Weed. Sarah was Artist in Residence at Watts Gallery in 2022, and her work has featured in the Portraits for NHS Heroes publication. Her style is inspired by the Old Masters and the rich visual language of cinematography.


A man holiday a paint palette award.

Michael Gallone

A woman with long dark hair and blue clothing, smiling at the camera.

Sarah Shien

Materials list

Paints

• Titanium White

• Ultramarine Blue

• Cadmium Yellow

• Yellow Ochre

• Cadmium Red

• Cadmium Orange

• Burnt Umber

• Raw Umber

• Ivory Black

Recommended brands: Winsor & Newton Artist Oils, Old Holland, Michael Harding

Brushes

• 2 large brushes

• 2 medium brushes

• 2 small detail brushes

We recommend filbert-shaped brushes (natural or synthetic), and small pointed rounds for detail.

Additional Materials

• Palette

• Palette knife

• Linseed oil (for thinning paint)

• 9” x 12” canvas or panel

(Recommended: Fredrix linen/canvas boards or Ampersand Gessoboards)

• Paper towels

Solvent Use

Please note: As the space is enclosed, turpentine is not permitted. Low-odour solvents such as Gamsol or Sansodor may be used, but must be kept in a sealed container when not actively cleaning brushes.

Materials kits will be available for purchase at the venue — both complete sets and individual items to supplement your existing supplies.