Oil Painting for Beginners Classes with Braighlee

Fundamentals of Alla Prima Oil Painting with Braighlee

Fee: $200 for 4 or $50 per class

Instructor: Braighlee Rainey

Date & Time: Fridays, April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, 3pm-6pm

Description:

Objective:

This four-lesson course is designed to introduce beginners to oil painting while reinforcing good painting habits for intermediate and advanced artists. It covers essential materials and techniques to build confidence and skill in alla prima painting (completing a painting in a single session). Each class builds on the last, progressing from simple compositions to more complex subjects.

Because each lesson increases in complexity, attending all four sessions is highly recommended. By the end of the course, you will have learned how to complete various subjects start to finish within a three-hour session

Class Breakdown:

Floral Painting (Week 1): painting from from floral arrangement set up

Understanding color temperature and mixing greens
Learning to simplify shapes for a loose, expressive style
Using layering to create depth
Color harmony

Still Life (Week 2): student brings in objects for still-life. Learn how to set up a successful still-life painting using composition and light.

Setting up an effective composition
Understanding light and shadow & how to create chiaroscuro
Mixing neutrals and realistic colors

Landscape Painting (Week 3): student brings in an image of landscape, or one will be provided.

Atmospheric perspective and depth
Edge control and brushwork for soft transitions
Warms and Cools in Landscapes and pushing for depth
Foreground, Middleground and Background
Color harmony and simplifying complex scenes

Portrait Painting (Week 4): there will be an image of a model provided, or the student can bring in a photo of a loved one. Good photos include strong lighting, high quality photos only.

Proportions and structure of the face
Mixing accurate skin tones
Capturing light and expression

Supply List:

*please bring the following supplies.  All items can be purchased at Nevada Fine Arts.  Mention you are taking a class and receive a 10% discount.   For more information, including additional suggested oil colors and reference photos, please click here to for the google doc.  

Student Supplies:

• Brushes:

#12 Filbert

#12 Flat or bright

#4 Flat or bright

#4 angle

#1 round

#4 Round

#12 Round

Brush numbers may vary by brand, but students should bring a variety of sizes, including at least one large filbert, one large flat/bright, a few medium brushes, and small detail brushes

Palette knife: Small knife #5 suggested

Subtraction tool: Any size

• Scale tool:

Derwent Scale Divider

• Canister for Thinner: Either style works, but the closed and locked container has an easier clean up.

• 2 Medium Mason Jars with Lids

• Paints + Suggested Oil Colors:

Gamblin Student Color Set

Gamblin Professional Oil Set

• Suggested Palette:
  
  

Sta-Wet Premier Palette 

OR Glass Palette or Disposable Paper Palette

• Required Mediums:

Galkyd Lite (for faster drying)

Cold Wax Medium (optional, for texture)

• Additional Suggested Materials:
  -Sketchbook & Pencil for thumbnail sketches and compositional planning

Supplies Provided by Instructor:

Easel

Odorless Thinner

Gloves

Pre-gessoed canvas/panels

Alcohol spray

Scraper Tools

Rags

Rag bucket

Paper Towels

Brush Cleaner

Artist Bio:

Braighlee Rainey is a painter specializing in expressive, large-scale oil portraits that explore identity, strength, and human connection. Her work balances boldness and delicacy, using color, movement, and symbolism to tell deeper stories. Trained under world-renowned portrait artists in Rome Italy and through the Milan Art Institute, Braighlee blends classical and contemporary techniques to create dynamic, thought-provoking pieces. Her current series highlights individuals within her community, capturing personal narratives that weave into a collective story of resilience and transformation. Through her art, coaching, mentoring and teaching, Braighlee encourages others to embrace creativity as a means of self-expression and connection.

Class Expectations & Policies:

Attendance: Because each lesson builds on the last, students are encouraged not to miss any classes.

Punctuality: Arrive 10–15 minutes early to set up your materials.

Clean-Up Policy: Students are responsible for cleaning their palettes and brushes after class.

Non Refundable Policy

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants, please be aware of the following policy regarding class fees:

• Non-Refundable Fee: All class fees are non-refundable. Once your payment is processed, it is considered final. 

• Cancellations by the Shop: In the rare event that we need to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances (such as instructor illness, insufficient enrollment, or other emergencies), participants will be offered a full refund or credit towards a future class.

• Agreement: By registering for a class, you agree to this non-refundable policy.  We recommend reviewing your schedule and availability before committing to a class.  

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Your commitment to your creative pursuits is important to us, and we look forward to having you in our classes!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 775-786-1128.