Modernist Painting Spring Term 2025
with John Murphy-Woolford
Course Dates Spring Term 2025
9, 16, 23, 30 January
6, 13 February
(Half Term 20 February)
27 February
6, 13, 20, 27 March
3 April
A painting course for anyone wanting to expand their painting practice
Cezanne
Lesson summary
A slide presentation at the beginning of each lesson introduces students to a painting style and artist from history. We will look at the creative and practical elements required to replicate that style. Students can then choose to either copy a painting from source material provided, or make a painting from their own material.
Introduction
Modernist painters caused a revolution in painting, introducing innovative original styles which helped us see the world differently. But what are these styles and how do we paint like them?
A course investigating major painting styles from late 19th century to mid-20th century. We will look at how these building blocks of painting have been used in famous art works and put our discoveries to use in our own paintings.
What Students will Learn:
1 Some different visual languages in painting from the 19th to the mid-20th century.
2 How to adopt a variety of painting styles.
3 Practical approaches to develop an image from initial concept to completed picture.
4 How to produce a master copy of an original painting.
5 Practical guidance on mixing and using paint (oil or acrylic)
6 Successful use of tone and colour
7 Intensify your working approach to materials and subject matter, breaking through conventional representation as pioneered by the Modernists
Course Programme
Weeks 1-4
The Birth of Modernism: Cezanne, Van Gogh
Weeks 5-8
Breaking Visual Boundaries: Egon Schiele, Modligliani
Weeks 9 - 12
Expanding Visual Possibilities: Matisse, Picasso
Matisse
Van Gogh
Required materials
Oil / acrylic sketch pad. A4 or A3. Or small canvas board, A4 size or similar.
Paint. Either acrylic or oil. (If using oil, make sure you plan how you are going to transport your wet work after class. There is no storage at the school.)
Odourless / low odour solvent if using oil paint.
Jam jar or similar container.
Palette. Wood or paper.
Brushes suitable for acrylic or oil.
Tissue paper.