Beginner’s Only: A Five-Week Course in Oil Painting

Description

Live Online with TJ Cunningham | May 1–30, 2025

If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to try oil painting… but I don’t even know where to start,” this course was made for you.

No art degree needed. No fancy supplies. No experience required.
Just a little curiosity—and a willingness to try.

This is a five-week, beginner-only course where I’ll show you exactly what to do, step by step. You’ll watch me paint, follow along at your own pace, and get real help as you go. Nothing fast. Nothing fancy. Just clear instructions and real support.

We’ll cover:

  • How to set up your painting space without stress
  • What brushes, paints, and tools you actually need (and what to skip)
  • How to start a simple painting—even if you “can’t draw”
  • How to mix color without making mud
  • What to do when you feel stuck or frustrated (it happens to all of us!)
  • How to build a painting in small, doable steps
  • How to finish something you’re proud of

What past students say:

“I was terrified of oils… but this course gave me the confidence I needed.”
— Miriam G.

“He takes something hard and makes it make sense. I’m finally painting again.”
— Kathleen N.

“I’ve taken other art classes. This is the first one that actually helped.”
— Charm C.

You don’t have to be “good at art.” You just have to show up.
Let me show you how fun and simple oil painting can be—one brushstroke at a time.

Come learn with me. We’ll start right at the beginning.

Product form

Live Online May 1–30, 2025

Lifetime Access to Recordings

Live Online with TJ Cunningham | May 1–30, 2025 If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to try oil painting… but... Read more

  • Tim explains every step as he paints—no jargon, no guessing.
  • The live classes are relaxed, welcoming, and beginner-friendly.
  • Ask questions in real time and get answers while he paints.
  • Recordings are always available so you can learn at your own pace.

$298.00

    Description

    Live Online with TJ Cunningham | May 1–30, 2025

    If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to try oil painting… but I don’t even know where to start,” this course was made for you.

    No art degree needed. No fancy supplies. No experience required.
    Just a little curiosity—and a willingness to try.

    This is a five-week, beginner-only course where I’ll show you exactly what to do, step by step. You’ll watch me paint, follow along at your own pace, and get real help as you go. Nothing fast. Nothing fancy. Just clear instructions and real support.

    We’ll cover:

    • How to set up your painting space without stress
    • What brushes, paints, and tools you actually need (and what to skip)
    • How to start a simple painting—even if you “can’t draw”
    • How to mix color without making mud
    • What to do when you feel stuck or frustrated (it happens to all of us!)
    • How to build a painting in small, doable steps
    • How to finish something you’re proud of

    What past students say:

    “I was terrified of oils… but this course gave me the confidence I needed.”
    — Miriam G.

    “He takes something hard and makes it make sense. I’m finally painting again.”
    — Kathleen N.

    “I’ve taken other art classes. This is the first one that actually helped.”
    — Charm C.

    You don’t have to be “good at art.” You just have to show up.
    Let me show you how fun and simple oil painting can be—one brushstroke at a time.

    Come learn with me. We’ll start right at the beginning.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • <strong>Week 1</strong> – First Strokes & Materials

      01 May

      Week 1 – First Strokes & Materials Live Demo 10 AM – 12 PM CST

      We’ll start right at the beginning. I’ll show you how to set up your paints, use your brushes, and tone your canvas. You’ll learn how to “draw” with paint by blocking in basic shapes — no sketching skills needed. You’ll be amazed how much you can do with just a few brushstrokes.

    • <strong>Week 2</strong> – Seeing Value (B&W Pear)

      08 May

      Week 2 – Seeing Value (B&W Pear) Live Demo 10 AM – 12 PM CST

      We’ll focus on light and shadow — how to spot the difference, simplify what you see, and make something look three-dimensional. This is the biggest “aha” moment for most beginners. You’ll learn to think like a painter, not a camera.

    • <strong>Week 3</strong> – Adding Color (Color Pear)

      15 May

      Week 3 – Adding Color (Color Pear) Live Demo 10 AM – 12 PM CST

      Now that you understand light and form, we’ll add color to the mix. You’ll learn how to keep your colors clean (not muddy), how to mix warm and cool tones, and how to use just a few paints to create a beautiful, believable image.

    • <strong>Week 4</strong> – Landscape: Composition & Block-In

      22 May

      Week 4 – Landscape: Composition & Block-In Live Demo 10 AM – 12 PM CST

      You’ll learn how to plan a painting before diving in — using quick sketches and shape-based thinking. We’ll break the landscape into big, easy-to-see shapes, and you’ll learn how to “block in” your painting without worrying about the details.

    • <strong>Week 5 </strong>– Landscape: Color Finish & Final Details

      29 May

      Week 5 – Landscape: Color Finish & Final Details Live Demo 10 AM – 12 PM CST

      You’ll bring your painting to life with color, texture, and final touches. I’ll show you how to unify your painting, fix problem areas, and decide when it’s “done.” This is where it all starts to click.

    • <strong>🎁 Bonus</strong> – Friday, May 30

      30 May

      🎁 Bonus – Friday, May 30 Live AMA 10 AM – 11:30 AM CST

      Live AMA (Ask Me Anything) + Wrap-Up
      We’ll end with a live group call where you can ask questions, share your experience, and get personal encouragement. I’ll offer tips for what to do next and how to keep growing with oils — even if you only have a little time each week.

    Feedback & Encouragement

    You won’t be painting alone. Each week, you’ll get encouraging, practical feedback from me and Emilie — both in writing and during our live Wednesday sessions.

    📅 Live on Zoom: May 7, 14, 21, and 28
    🎥 All sessions are recorded in case you can’t make it live

    • Get written feedback on your paintings each week in our private community
    • Join live Zoom sessions every Wednesday at 10 AM CDT with TJ & Emilie
    • Learn from real student examples and get clarity on what matters most

    Meet Your Instructor

    👋 Hi, I’m TJ Cunningham — but feel free to call me Tim.

    I’m a professional oil painter, husband, dad of four, and founder of The Art Journey. I’ve been painting full time since 2010, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

    Learning to paint doesn’t start with talent — it starts with showing up.
    This course isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping you take your first steps with clarity, confidence, and support. I’ll be guiding you through each session live, answering your questions, and encouraging you along the way.

    My goal? To make oil painting feel less mysterious and a lot more doable — even if this is your very first time picking up a brush.

    You don’t need to know the “right” terms or have the “right” setup. You just need a willingness to learn and a little bit of time each week. I’ll help you with the rest.

    I've had the joy of helping hundreds of artists grow — from absolute beginners to seasoned painters looking for a reset.

    Keep reading to see what some of them have said. 👇🏻

    Beginner’s Only: Frequently Asked Questions

    • Do I need experience?

      Nope! This is truly for beginners.

    • Supplies Needed?

      Just the basics. We’ll send a simple list after you sign up.

    • Can I watch the later?

      Yes! All sessions are recorded so you can learn at your own pace.

    • How is this different?

      It’s live, personal, and designed to be encouraging—not overwhelming.

    Send us a message!

    🙋‍♀️ Do you have any questions?

    <strong>Your Beginner's Only Course Starts In:</strong>

    Your Beginner's Only Course Starts In:

    May 01, 2025 12:00:00

    Login

    Forgot your password?

    Don't have an account yet?
    Create account