• 2026
  • FEB 18 –
  • MAR 25
  • 9:30am-12:30pm
Paul Olson, Demystifying Oils at the Portsmouth Arts Guild Paul Olson, Demystifying Oils at the Portsmouth Arts Guild Paul Olson, Demystifying Oils at the Portsmouth Arts Guild

Demystifying Oil Painting II

Paul Olson

Six Wednesday mornings. This extension of Paul’s intro “Demystifying Oil Painting” workshop will go deeper into the concepts introduced in part I, continuing to make the rich tradition of oil painting approachable, with more time to explore. We’ll learn the core fundamentals of the medium, working from still life set-ups in the studio. By painting from direct observation we will learn how to build form, value, and color directly on the canvas. Paul will give demos, and there may be casual crits at the end of class.

Supply List:

  • 11 x 14 Canvas
  • Small sketchbook and something to draw with
  • Please bring whatever paints and solvents you have on the first day. Paul has solvent and paint to share before discussing what you need
  • Painting medium will be supplied the first day; there are many options including no medium at all
  • Brushes:
    • 3 flat brushes #8 thru #12 or so
    • 1/2″– 3/4″ bristle brush (stiff for thick paint)
    • 1 round pointy brush, #8 or larger, nylon (soft for more liquid paint)
  • Palette: flat mixing palette of some kind
  • Container for solvent
  • Small container for painting medium
  • Painting rags
  • Gloves

Recommended skill level: Advanced Beginners to Intermediate 

  • LOCATION: Portsmouth Arts Guild
  • TUITION: $305
  • MEMBER DISCOUNT: $40 OFF
Paul Olson profile

Paul Olson

Paul Olson is a Rhode Island-based plein-air painter inspired by the natural splendor of our beautiful Narragansett Bay. Olson’s artwork reflects his deep connection with nature and his love for the flora and fauna of the coastal landscape around him. He can often be found at his easel on his small boat, documenting the effects of wind and weather, sky and water. His work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the Northeast, and in some less traditional spaces like the Providence Place Mall and the Local 57 Ironworkers Union Hall.

Paul is also a lover of trees, having had two exhibitions of tree paintings at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, and currently a one person show at Blithewold Mansion and Gardens. A man of many talents, Paul is also a ceramics artist making containers for Bonsai and specialty plants, and cultivating his own collection of miniature trees.

Olson has been a passionate teacher at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) with a career spanning over 25 years. Semi-retired but still teaching Oil Painting as a Senior Critic in the Illustration Department at RISD, Paul now spends more time out painting, enjoying being part of the landscape in the open air.

Visit Paul’s website at olsonpaintings.com and find him on Instagram at @olsonpaintings and Facebook.

Registration

This class runs for six Wednesdays, Feb. 18, 25  Mar. 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

PAG Members use discount code PAGMEM to receive the member discount. Remember to click the APPLY button on the right.

Please note: we don’t accept checks as payment for workshops and classes.
Questions? Contact workshops@portsmoutharts.org.