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Oil Painting Classes Chicago

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Unlock your artistic potential with a wide range of oil painting classes in Chicago. Learn techniques, explore your creativity, and create stunning works of art that will leave a lasting impression.

1 class in-person in Chicago has spots left, and 3 classes live online are available.

The Night Watch: Painting with Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Master the art of oil painting under the guidance of skilled instructors. Dive into the world of expressive brushstrokes and rich colors to create captivating artworks.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$395

9 sessions

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Online Water - Soluble Oils 401

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the eco-friendly joy of oil painting with water-soluble oils. Learn the techniques of mixing colors and brushwork while creating stunning traditional and contemporary pieces. Say yes to this delicious and non-toxic medium at Pastimes for a Lifetime.

(19) All levels 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

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Online Oil Pastel 101

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the world of oil pastels with this online art course. Unleash your creativity as you learn color theory, blending techniques, and how to create stunning works of art that resemble oil paintings. Perfect for beginners looking for a mess-free and vibrant medium.

(19) Beginner 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

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Dare to Draw, Paint & Create: Advanced Art Class for All Mediums

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Unleash your artistic potential and express yourself through painting in this inspiring online art class. Develop your unique style, master advanced techniques, and create stunning artwork that you will be proud to display. Join a supportive community of fellow artists and receive personalized feedback to enhance your skills.

(631) Advanced 18 and older
$399

8 sessions

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Intro to Oil Painting for Teens (Ages 14-18)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Utilizing still life, students will learn step-by-step procedure along with the materials and craftsmanship  of oil paint.  Through studies and exercises, the essential skill of drawing accurately will be developed and the fascinating realms of color theory, composition and creating the illusion of dimension will be explored. Students will need to provide their own supplies. Click here for the instructor's recommended supply list.

(83) Beginner 14 - 18 years old
No upcoming schedules
$445

10 sessions

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Painting the Portrait in Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unlock the secrets of capturing the essence of a person through the medium of oils in this engaging course. Discover techniques to create lifelike portraits that convey emotion and personality.

(83) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$490

10 sessions

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Beginning and Intermediate Oil Painting

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity on canvas and explore the vibrant world of oil painting. Dive into the dynamic techniques and rich textures that bring your artwork to life. Elevate your artistic skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

(83) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$435

10 sessions

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Painting the Still Life in Oil

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Experience the beauty of oil painting as you master the art of capturing still life compositions. Explore step-by-step techniques, honing your skills in drawing accuracy and delving into color theory and composition. Join us to unlock the secrets of creating depth and dimension on canvas under expert guidance.

(83) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$435

10 sessions

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Oil Painting Studio: Still Life & Figure

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Create paintings in oils using non-toxic mediums as the Renaissance painters did. Choose to paint from still life arrangements or material you bring in. We will also paint from a clothed model for two sessions. We will have 1:1 and group critiques. Some prior drawing recommended.  Bring Materials to the first class: Brushes: 2-4 Flats, Brites, or Rounds-bristle brushes, synthetic/mix #2, 4, 6, 10, or 12 Utrecht, Winsor & Newton ...

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$345

9 sessions

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Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

Aartwerk Studio @ 1141 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of acrylics and oils at Aartwerk Studio. Dive into a hands-on experience where you'll learn essential techniques, unleash your artistic potential, and create stunning masterpieces under the guidance of experienced instructors. Join us and bring your imagination to life through the power of colors and brushes.

(12) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$280

7 sessions

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Painting Vibrant Flora & Landscapes in Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Render flowers and landscapes richly and beautifully in oil paints! Discover how to achieve vibrant, confident artworks that convey a sense of light, shadow, and sculptural form. Color mixing and brush stroke application will also be a major focus.  You will start with a paint-along demonstration, then work on your own choice of subject. Supply List *Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colours: all 37 ml size tubes except for white, which...

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$195

9 sessions

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Frankenthaler Did It: Pouring with Oil Paint

Evanston Art Center @ Interactive Online Classroom via Zoom, Chicago, IL

This one-day workshop will introduce everyone to the soak/stain techniques of Helen Frankenthaler. Over the course of one day we will make our paints and pour our first steps onto the canvas. By the end of the session, learners will have the confidence to complete their paintings on their own. Skill Level: All Levels Click here for the instructor's recommended supply list.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$155
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Painting Vibrant Flora in Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Render flowers richly and beautifully in oil paints! Discover how to achieve vibrant, confident-looking artworks that convey a sense of light, shadow, and sculptural form. Color mixing and brush stroke application will also be a major focus, to avoid muddiness and over-blending. You will start with a paint-along demonstration and receive individual attention.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$130
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Painting I, Oil

Aartwerk Studio @ 1141 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

Oils are back! There is a revival of interest in oils, and we understand why you are eager to jump into exploring this beautiful medium. However, if you you are entirely new to painting, we recommend (but don’t require) taking Acrylics I first. (Should you wonder why, please read the course description for Acrylics I.) The course will commence with an introduction to the medium. Students will learn the rules for proper usage and develop an understanding...

(12) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$280

8 sessions

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Introduction to Oil Painting

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Open to all levels, this class will immerse you in the painting process from day one. Students will learn how to select, compose, and paint based on strong design, values, and colors. This wonderful medium allows for extended manipulation and nuances of interpretation. Required Supplies: Paints, 37 ml tubes • Alizarin crimson • Cadmium red light hue • Cobalt blue • Ultramarine blue • Cadmium yellow light • Yellow ochre • Viridian...

(122) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$298

6 sessions

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Abstract Oil Painting I

Ausrine's Arts Room

This is first abstract oil painting class for students who have some basic knowledge of oil paint, materials and methods. Students are encouraged to sign for a block of 5 classes.

(7) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Abstract Oil Painting II

Ausrine's Arts Room

Abstract oil painting for students who has basic knowledge of oil paints, materials and methods.

(7) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Oil Painting II - Beginners

Ausrine's Arts Room

Second Class for students who would like to gain some knowledge in oil painting materials and technique. Block of 5 classes will be offered and encourage to consider. Students are welcome to join class any time.

(7) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Oil Painting Class IV - Beginners

Ausrine's Arts Room

This is forth class of five for students who would like to gain basic knowledge in oil painting, methods and materials.

(7) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
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Reviews for Oil Painting Classes in Chicago

Oil Painting Classes in Chicago are rated 4.4 stars based on 874 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Anonymous review on 2/20/2023
    I really enjoyed this class. The instructor was very helpful and I learned some really good techniques. I'm planning to take more classes from Aartwerk in the future.
  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Reviewed by Carly B. on 5/12/2022
    This is a fantastic beginners course. I feel like I have a better understanding of fundamental concepts around materials and basic techniques
  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Reviewed by Catherine B. on 3/20/2018
    This class exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended.

Discover the Best Oil Painting Classes in Chicago

Oil painting is done with oil paints, which are made of powdered pigments and drying oil. The first uses of oil colors can be traced back to the 7th century CE to a cave in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Europeans began painting with oil colors, and not until the 15th century that easel painting with oil colors was popularized. This technique is now highly respected within the fine arts. This is not only because oil paints produce such beautiful artworks, but because some of the most famous painters in the world–like Leonardo da Vinci and Peter Paul Rubens–worked with oil paints. 

Drying oil is added to powder pigments as a binder, creating oil paint. The type of oil that is used will affect the color of the paint, so if you decide to start oil painting, be prepared to experiment. Oil paints are thicker and heavier than other mediums, like watercolor, so they take a long time to dry. The slow-drying process, however, allows painters time to fix mistakes and add to their paintings while the paint is still wet. 

Traditional oil paints require the use of solvents to both thin the paint and clean your brushes. Be sure to read up on using oil paints safely or take a class where an expert instructor can inform you about oil paints and walk you through using solvents safely. 

Why You Should Learn Oil Painting in Chicago

Oil painting can be picked up by anyone, regardless of their painting experience level. Although oil paints appear intimidating, they’re considered an easier medium than others by painters. The slow drying time of oil paints makes it an ideal medium if you’re prone to mistakes. 

The slow drying time of oil paints makes oil painting an exercise in patience. When oil painting, you need to build up layers upon layers of color. This will require a great deal of patience and time from you. These repeated actions can help improve your attention to detail and ability to focus as well. 

Painting is commonly used as a means of regulating the emotions of adults and children. Painting as a therapeutic activity has been shown to alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety. It also boosts confidence and self-esteem. Painting requires you to use your imagination and explore your creativity. When this results in finished artwork, it can cause you to feel proud of yourself and accomplished. 

Oil painting is highly respected by artists. The medium has acquired a prestigious character thanks to the famous pieces that were created using oil paints, like Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Working toward making an oil painting can be highly rewarding when you consider the masterpieces oil paints have been used to create in the past. Whether you’re dabbling in oil painting as a hobby or if you’re seriously pursuing a project in the hopes of displaying or selling it, you’ll end up creating a work of art that has the potential to last hundreds of years. 

In-Person Oil Painting Classes & Schools in Chicago

There are in-person oil painting classes offered in and around the Chicago area that you can sign up for today. Expert instructors will lead you through the basics of oil painting and starting a piece in beginner-level classes. If you have experience using oil paints or have worked your way through beginner-level classes, you can sign up for an intermediate or advanced-level class that will expand on oil painting techniques. These classes are a great way to get hands-on experience using oil paints and socialize while doing so. 

The Chicago Botanic Garden, located in Glencoe, offers an introduction to composition and color in nature. In their class, Capturing the Colors of Summer, you’ll have the option of creating small paintings using oil paints, gouache, acrylics, or watercolors. 

The Evanston Art Center in Evanston, Illinois offers several oil painting classes. If you’re new to oil painting, you might be interested in signing up for their introductory oil painting class. An instructor will guide you through the basics of oil painting, including color theory, mixing, using multiple mediums, and application techniques. New students will be following along with the course syllabus while returning students work on individual projects. This class requires you to bring an 18” x 24” piece of drawing paper and charcoal to the first class. 

If you’re interested in portraitures, sign up for Painting the Portrait in Oils. Over the course of five weeks, you’ll be trained in concepts that are integral to painting portraits using oil paints. Your instructor will spend time explaining anatomy, structure, paint handling, and more. 

The Evanston Art Center also hosts a mixed-experience class, The Night Watch: Painting with Oils. Beginner-level students will learn oil painting basics. There will be an emphasis on learning the composition and properties of paint. Intermediate and advanced-level painters will receive assignments focused on challenging techniques, like glazing, layering, and using palette knives. 

Virtual Oil Painting Classes & Schools

In-person oil painting classes allow you to gain hands-on experience under the close guidance of an instructor. However, these classes may not be available in your area, or the commute might not fit your schedule. Luckily, there are virtual oil painting classes that you can take instead. Virtual oil painting classes are taught remotely and are focused on painting techniques for a variety of skill levels. 

Pastimes for a Lifetime’s class, Online Oil Pastel 101, will provide you with a basic understanding of using oil paints, color theory, and color mixing. Because this is an online class, you’ll need to procure the materials on the supply list provided by the instructor before your class. 

Intermediate oil painters are welcome to sign up for the Richmond Art Center’s class, Abstract Painting, where they’ll work on an original abstract painting. Instruction for this class is also available in Spanish. 

If you’re struggling with ideas for your painting, join the Evanston Art Center’s oil painting discussion and critique class. You’ll be able to share your ideas, concerns, and works in progress with your instructor and fellow artists. 

Private Group Oil Painting Classes in Chicago

Are you interested in scheduling a private oil painting class as a team-building activity for your business or organization? CourseHorse has private group oil painting classes that they can deliver to you. 

You can contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to learn about the oil painting classes they can offer your group. You’ll be able to discuss group size, customization options, and the project that will be worked on during the class. If you’re unsure of the size of the group you’ll be booking for, CourseHorse will allow you to book using the minimum group size and update your headcount later.


CourseHorse also offers acrylic and watercolor group classes that you can ask them about booking as well. CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class. It’s recommended that you take their classes using Zoom, however, they can also accommodate WebEx, Google Meets, and Microsoft Teams.

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