A clear instruction manual for hobby artists hoping to improve their work by learning from a master artist and getting inspiration from a practical showcase of his work.

President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI), Adebanji Alade's mission is to make oil painting accessible to anyone, while simultaneously providing insights and instruction that are valuable to experienced artists.

From the absolute basics of getting an image onto your painting surface and preparing and mixing oil paints, this book includes invaluable information on different working approaches. Starting with the basics of value, edge, and colour, the book delves into brief exercises and fundamental techniques for sketching and drawing. It then gradually advances to Adebanji's distinctive method of oil painting diverse subjects, featuring six complete stage-by-stage projects. These projects encompass a range of subjects, from intimate portraits to captivating crowd scenes and the urban landscapes for which he is renowned.

The reader will discover how best to tackle subjects ranging from single figures and small groups to expansive crowd scenes and interiors. Light, weather, character and atmosphere are all investigated by this infectiously enthusiastic artist.

Table of Contents: 

Introduction

Materials

Sketching with oils

My way techniques and approach: how I paint with oils

Portraits

Project 1: Homeless person portrait

Figures

Project 2: Child playing 

Crowds

Project 3: Urban scene

Landscapes

Project 4: Summer evening light

Urban landscapes

Project 5: Rain and reflections

Seascapes

Project 6: Harbour skyline

Afterword

Index