Paul McDonald Smith
ARTIST
PAUL MCDONALD SMITH - ARTIST
Teaching
I have conducted painting classes since 1977 catering to adults with a serious interest in exploring the mysteries and disciplines of the craft of oil painting.
My teaching is based on time honoured principles of traditional methods, techniques and disciplines associated with the history of pictorial realism and the study of natural appearances.
Observation is coupled with sound understanding and control of pictorial components of tone, form, colour and edges and the inherent qualities of the medium.
Please refer to details of my regular weekly classes and occasional workshops via the pull-down 'Teaching' menu above.
mysteries and disciplines of the craft."There never was a boy painter, nor can there ever be, for the art requires a long
apprenticeship, being mechanical as well as intellectual."
John Constable.
apprenticeship, being mechanical as well as intellectual."
John Constable.
All rights reserved.
Oil Painting Materials
As recommended to my students
Oil Colours
Light Red
Cobalt
Viridian
Ivory Black
N.B. Colours listed in bold provide a basic palette.
Palette
Large wooden palette rubbed with linseed oil. Natural wood surface (not white)
Single or double oil dippers. The list above represents the order in which pigments should be placed on the palette at the
outer edge as in the photograph above.
Medium
Purified Linseed Oil, Distilled or Gum Turpentine (preferred), or odourless solvent
A small bottle of Retouching Varnish is recommended.
Brushes
Round Bristle Hog Hair brushes. Sizes e.g.: 4,6,8,10,12. As many as possible – minimum 10. Mineral Turpentine (White
Spirit) for brush washing.
Canvas
Primed cotton canvas cut to regular size e.g.: 10x12, 11x14, 12x16, 14x18, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24 etc. Sizes are stated in
inches as most standard sizes are based on established imperial measures that artists have used for centuries. Canvas
panels and stretcher bars are mostly still manufactured on that basis.
Loose primed canvas (purchased by the metre) to be taped or pinned to a suitable board, preferably Canite.
Masonite, Craftwood or MDF may also be used but the board must be light in weight.
Commercially prepared painting boards are normally satisfactory for student purposes.
Only well established brands should be chosen.
Easel
A lightweight portable easel (e.g. tripod) is required for class or outdoor use. Preferably wooden.
A heavy studio easel is recommended for general painting. Forward tilt facility is essential.
(Easels may be provided at certain classes.)
Rags
Small pieces of clean towelling.
Paul McDonald Smith
As recommended to my students
Oil Colours
- Titanium White
- Cadmium Yellow Pale
- Yellow Ochre
- Cadmium Red
- Alizarin Crimson
Light Red
- Burnt Sienna
Cobalt
- French Ultramarine
Viridian
Ivory Black
N.B. Colours listed in bold provide a basic palette.
Palette
Large wooden palette rubbed with linseed oil. Natural wood surface (not white)
Single or double oil dippers. The list above represents the order in which pigments should be placed on the palette at the
outer edge as in the photograph above.
Medium
Purified Linseed Oil, Distilled or Gum Turpentine (preferred), or odourless solvent
A small bottle of Retouching Varnish is recommended.
Brushes
Round Bristle Hog Hair brushes. Sizes e.g.: 4,6,8,10,12. As many as possible – minimum 10. Mineral Turpentine (White
Spirit) for brush washing.
Canvas
Primed cotton canvas cut to regular size e.g.: 10x12, 11x14, 12x16, 14x18, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24 etc. Sizes are stated in
inches as most standard sizes are based on established imperial measures that artists have used for centuries. Canvas
panels and stretcher bars are mostly still manufactured on that basis.
Loose primed canvas (purchased by the metre) to be taped or pinned to a suitable board, preferably Canite.
Masonite, Craftwood or MDF may also be used but the board must be light in weight.
Commercially prepared painting boards are normally satisfactory for student purposes.
Only well established brands should be chosen.
Easel
A lightweight portable easel (e.g. tripod) is required for class or outdoor use. Preferably wooden.
A heavy studio easel is recommended for general painting. Forward tilt facility is essential.
(Easels may be provided at certain classes.)
Rags
Small pieces of clean towelling.
Paul McDonald Smith
"Gum Tree Study"
"Still life Demonstration"
"Portrait Demonstration- Robin"
"Sketch Williamstown"
The "Meldrum" Palette
(Folding variety)
(Folding variety)
PAUL MCDONALD SMITH - ARTIST