Open to all levels, this class will introduce various oil painting materials and analyze great paintings from the past and present. With an emphasis on chiaroscuro painting (the dramatic distribution of light and shadow in a picture), students will learn the essentials for creating dimensional, life-like paintings including: composition & design, values, edges, color harmony and paint application techniques. Students are welcome to bring in their own subject to paint from or choose a collection of reference material provided by the instructor.