Shadow to Light: A Subtractive Oil Painting Workshop

Learn the timeless layering techniques of the Old Masters while creating a dramatic still-life oil painting over four days.
About this Event

Shadow to Light: A Subtractive Oil Painting Workshop Inspired by the Old Masters

with Ann Alexander

Discover a slower, more intentional approach to oil painting in this four-day workshop designed for beginner to intermediate painters.

Using a warm, rustic still life as our reference, we’ll build one painting from the ground up using a traditional subtractive painting process inspired by Old Masters techniques. Rather than beginning with full color, we’ll first establish the composition, light, and value structure on a toned surface—removing paint to reveal the light and create a strong foundation before moving into color.

Over the four days, we’ll explore value, form, color mixing, warm and cool relationships, edges, reflections, and finishing details as the painting gradually develops from shadow into light.

This workshop is not about simply copying an image. It is about learning how to see—how light moves across objects, how values create form, how color supports structure, and how thoughtful edges can bring a painting to life.

• Beginner to intermediate
• One painting developed over four class sessions
• All painting supplies provided

Come ready to slow down, observe, and experience the beauty of building an oil painting one thoughtful layer at a time.

October 6-9, 2026 from 2-5pm. This is a 4-day class. Registration price is for all 4 days.

What You'll Learn

🎨 Create a toned surface and subtractive underpainting
🎨 Build form using transparent and semi-transparent layers
🎨 Finish with opaque highlights to create depth and light
🎨 Understand the traditional layering process of the Old Masters

4-Day Workshop Schedule

• Day 1 : Create a toned surface and develop your subtractive underpainting.
• Day 2: Build your painting with transparent and semi-transparent oil layers.
• Days 3 & 4: Complete your painting using opaque details and highlights to bring the composition to life.

Workshop Details

• Four consecutive sessions
• Complete one dramatic still-life painting
• Personalized instruction