Have you ever dreamed of creating an oil painting but feel confused about how to begin? Why choose oil paint over, say, acrylics or watercolors? What safety considerations should be taken into account when working with oil paints?

In this workshop, artist Monique Robidoux will walk students through the basics of oil painting, including how to safely work with oil paint and solvents, as well as offering students a chance to start on a painting in class. The most important take-aways from this 2-hour session include:

• Mixing a basic color palette

• Selecting mediums to help with things like faster drying times

• Understanding solvents and non-toxic options like citrus solvents

• Cleaning-up and disposing of painting materials safely

After learning some fundamentals, students will begin a painting that can be used as a basis to continue at home on their own. All supplies will be provided, however students are encouraged to bring a photograph or an image of some kind to serve as inspiration for either a realistic or abstract piece to start in class.

All materials are provided.

Appropriate for ages 16+

Note, all classes are held in a shared art studio on the 3rd floor, accessible by stairs only.

Artist Monique Robidoux spent a career in the fashion industry before returning to her roots as a painter. Her delicious sense of color was refined through years of designing dresses for companies like Liz Claiborne, where she was immersed in a world of color, pattern, fabric, and design. Since retiring in 2022, Monique has dedicated her time to perfecting her mastery of landscape painting (she also paints portraits of people, pets and homes!) as well as diving into the world of abstract art.

Monique has a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI and earned her MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is also an active member of the Mamaroneck Artist Guild and a chorister in the Westchester Chorale Society, near where she resides in Scarsdale NY.