Mastering oils:

learn to paint like a  pro with liv

A Weekend Course in an Artist’s Studio

10am - 4pm on 11th & 12th April, 2026

Immerse yourself in the world of oil painting in this intensive, yet welcoming, weekend course. Hosted in an authentic artist's studio on a serene East London City Farm, this masterclass is designed for complete beginners and those seeking a comprehensive refresher in oils.

Whilst the traditional techniques will be covered, you will also learn how to paint in contemporary styles and find your own unique artistic voice.

Doors are now open!

About your Host - LIv crane

Liv is an experienced artist trained at Florence Academy of Art and formerly a tutor at the Barcelona Academy of Art. She has worked as a painting assistant to Nick Devereux, Philip Colbert, and Hugo Wilson, and has exhibited both nationally and internationally - most recently presenting her solo show What Rests There at The Three Rooms Gallery in Walthamstow. As well as Barcelona, Liv has taught at various UK institutions such as Haileybury College.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the time-honoured techniques of the European ateliers in a friendly, supportive, and unpressured environment that encourages exploration and personal expression.

COURSE STRUCTURE

  • Morning ~ The Language of Oil

    Familiarise yourself with materials, simple monotone still life drawing and painting using the grisaille technique (ivory black, titanium white and raw umber) with demonstrations. Practicing blending and brushwork techniques, layering (fat over lean), exploring tone & value, contrast, temperature. Understanding mediums and the material qualities of oils (turpentine, liquin, linseed oil etc.) and surfaces (canvas, linen, oil paper, gesso, rabbit skin glue etc.).

    Afternoon ~ Depth and Colour

    A deep dive into colour theory, looking at different colour palettes, focusing on the Zorn palette (ivory black, titanium white, vermilion or cadmium red and yellow ochre), and the full palette. Explore the theory of complimentary colours and look at artists such as Bonnard to see how they use colour. Practice creating more colourful still life studies in oil to build confidence with chroma. 

  • Morning ~ Beginning the Still Life

    Start your still-life painting looking carefully at composition, shape and form before building up blocks of colour using the knowledge of value and colour practiced in the previous weeks. Participants are welcome to bring along their own items to set up a personalised still-life. 

    Afternoon ~ Finishing Touches

    Final session for the still-life paintings. Looking closely at how to create depth, focus, highlights and brief look at glazing and varnishing.

  • At the end there’ll be a shared look at everyone’s creations and a chat about your experiences. Then, it’s a fond farewell until next time!

    If you want your piece framed that can. be arranged so just let Liv know.

Guests will get…

You won't just leave with memories - you'll leave with a tangible body of work and, more importantly, a deeply integrated set of new skills.

  • Your Final Piece: By the end of the four weeks, you will have created a diverse collection of work, marking your journey into oil painting

    A Portfolio of Sketches: You’ll have created a selection of practical studies, including quick observational oil sketches

  • You'll walk away with a thorough, practical understanding of oil painting - from preparing surfaces and selecting mediums to advanced observational skills and techniques in form, light and colour.

    You'll know why certain techniques work, straight from someone who mastered her craft at Europe's top academies.

  • You'll connect with a supportive group of fellow students, making new friends and joining a community of like-minded creatives in a friendly, unjudgmental studio environment.

Doors are now open!

Designed for all levels

For: Everyone

Where: Georgie Mason Studio

Stepney City Farm
Stepney Way
London
E1 3DG

Cost: £350 per person. This includes:

- All Materials: Paper, gesso, boards, quality oil paints, brushes, mediums, and an apron.

- Expert Tuition: Professional, international-level instruction from Liv.

- Take-Home Bag: A dedicated bag for safely transporting your finished painting.

- Amenities: Complimentary tea and coffee, a curated playlist to fuel your imagination, and the beautiful, serene setting of the farm. Toilet on site. 

Got a question? Drop me a message at georgie@georgiemason.co.uk

FAQs

  • You need to come to all sessions as each one feeds into the next. However if you’re experienced with oils and you just want to come to the last one or two, do let us know and if for any reason we have a cancellation we’ll let you know.

  • If you book the course and can’t make all four sessions, unfortunately we can’t offer reductions/refunds.

    However all course attendees will receive 15% off 1-2-1 sessions with Liv at a future date and/or you can come to Creativity Club with Georgie to finish your piece (only £7.50, Tuesday evenings - book here)

  • - Sketchbooks (optional - sketching paper will be provided).

    - Scruffy-ish clothes - a kimono will be provided but don't wear your best suit!

    - Your own booze/lunch if you desire

  • A: No prior experience is necessary. All my classes are designed to be welcoming and accessible to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists.

  • A: Wear comfortable clothing that’s a bit scruffy. I provide full-sleeve kimonos, but it’s always a good idea to dress casually.

  • A: Each class is 3 hours, so 12 hours total tuition.

  • A: Yes! Liv offers private sessions and group workshops for parties, team-building events, or special occasions. Please contact info@georgiemason.co.uk for more details and to make arrangements.

  • A:  Customers can cancel with a full refund up to 28 days before the course starts

  • A: 13+ . Most people who come to our workshops are adults however we find that 13 year olds who want to come along to something like this tend to be quite serious artists and we are not age-ist!

  • A: Light refreshments, such as tea, coffee, and snacks, are provided in the studio. For Weekend Workshops we have a short lunch break with food from the delicious onsite cafe Stepney’s. Check the specific class details for more information.

  • A: Please let me know in advance if you have any special needs or requirements, and I will do my best to accommodate them.

  • A: There is some parking outside the farm on the yellow lines available on Saturdays , and paid parking options within walking distance.

  • A: Totally up to you! Bring a friend or partner if you want company, but equally if you just fancy unwinding and getting creative on your own, that's great too. If you do come alone, it's really up to you whether you chat to the rest of the group or just find your own flow and stay quite quiet!

Testimonials

Contact Me

Have more questions or need further information? Feel free to reach out to me at info@georgiemason.co.uk.