Oil Painting Workshop, 7/21-24, 1-4:30pm

This perceptually based course focuses on painting from direct observation, with an emphasis on studying form, light, and space through still life. Students will become familiar with oil paint and the fundamental materials and methods of the medium, building a strong foundation for future work.
Throughout the workshop, students will develop skills in color mixing in relation to the observed subject, as well as core drawing concepts such as proportion, perspective, and form. We will explore key color principles—hue, value, temperature, and intensity—and how they function in creating convincing and expressive paintings. Students will also be encouraged to develop original, personal solutions in their work, gaining tools and confidence they can carry into their own individual artistic practice.

Meet the Teacher: Helen Cardamone

Helen Cardamone currently teaches middle and high school art at Pinewood Preparatory School. She holds a BA in Studio Art from Wake Forest University and an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. During graduate school, she served as a teaching assistant for three semesters, supporting painting and drawing courses for both undergraduate and continuing education students. Her studio practice focuses on oil painting and drawing, with recent work inspired by Lowcountry landscapes and the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.
Helen is passionate about sharing her love of art with others and giving back to her community through teaching. She is especially drawn to those “lightbulb” moments when a concept clicks for a student, as well as the confidence and pride that come from creating something meaningful. She values the individuality each student brings to the creative process and encourages exploration while building a strong technical foundation—believing that understanding the fundamentals is key to developing a confident and expressive artistic voice.