Painting Materials and Methods Series (Online Course)
Ananda St. Barry
A la Carte videos are $55/each
$200 for the full 4-video series
Lecture & Demo notes:
- These lecture & demos were recorded the Spring of 2026. Each demo is a 1.5-2 hour lecture with demos included on four topics in oil painting materials and methods.
- Participants can register for the full series or a la carte.
- All four lecture & demos are now available.
- Registrants will be available to view the recordings until August 31, 2027.
- Registrants will also receive a very thorough PDF that corresponds to the information provided in each video. The document may be downloaded by participants.
- Links to the video(s) and PDF handout(s) will be included in the confirmation email. Check your spam if you do not see it in your inbox.
- There are no refunds, transfers, or exchanges once payment is made for the complete series or a la carte demos.
Online tech needs:
- This demo series will be shared via a private video link on Zoom.
- It will be necessary for students to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
“As with any good class there was a cohesive structure and organization. Ananda empowered us with information to make informed decisions about how to prepare our work. The class was instructive in terms of materials but Ananda also wove in other bits of wisdom which brought the class to what I always hope from GCA classes.”
-Mireya
Course Description
Join Ananda St. Barry from her studio for a series of demos, lectures, and detailed handouts. For each topic she provides in-depth explanations and an entertaining perspective on the practical applications of materials available to the modern, classically trained artist. This series will answer the questions you are encountering as you paint while saving you time and money (or spending money on the right things) at the Art Supply store.
This 4-part series contains over 8 hours of pre-recorded lectures/demonstrations and includes 60 pages of handouts.
Note: Each individual part features its own handout. If you register for an individual part a la carte, you receive the handout that pertains to your selected demo/lecture(s).
Flexible and Rigid Supports
Canvas: a survey of fabric, size, and grounds, including preparation.
Rigid supports: varieties of wood suitable for painting as well as modern aluminum substrates and their preparations.
A comprehensive price guide in the handout breaks down the expense of DIY vs. the ready made materials.
Palettes, Brushes, Safety & Ephemera
A deep dive into brushes including shape, use and maintenance. This session also explores palette types and upkeep, paint storage, studio safety and all the other accoutrements that make up a traditional painters studio.
Paints
This session primarily focuses on explaining the overwhelming amount of choices in pigments. We will discuss traditional palettes, the concepts of transparency, tinting strength, drying time and toxicity.
Mediums & Varnishes
When to properly employ what: an in-depth exploration of all the liquid things we use with paints including thinners/solvents, oils, and varnishes. Concepts like oiling out vs. retouch varnish, the fat over lean rule, and common mistakes with thinners will be covered.