The Magic Of Oil Painting

This workshop introduces the fundamentals of oil painting, focusing on color mixing, composition, and expressive brushwork. Participants will learn how to create a unique and harmonious painting step by step, working with light, color, and texture. The class is designed to be both educational and inspiring, allowing students to explore their creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Target Audience (Age group/Experience level):  Adults and beginners, as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their oil painting skills. Ages 12+.

All materials are included: canvas, oil paints, brushes, palette knives, easels, and solvents. Additional materials such as paper, pencils, erasers, and still life setups (flowers, fruits, etc.) will also be provided. Easels, palettes, gloves, aprons, and basic color theory handouts are included.

The goal of this workshop is to help participants feel confident working with oil paints and to enjoy the creative process. By the end of the session, each student will complete their own painting and gain a better understanding of color, composition, and brushwork techniques.

Over a decade of experience teaching painting, drawing, composition, and color theory through private lessons, workshops, and mentorship programs.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR- Vira Ustianska

Vira Ustianska holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and has over 17 years of formal art education. She was trained in the Eastern European academic painting tradition at one of the top art academies in Ukraine, where her artwork was highly recognized by the faculty and leading professors. She has been teaching since 2013, offering private lessons, workshops, art coaching, and mentorship programs.

Currently, she develops mentorship programs for intermediate and advanced artists and prepares students for admission to art schools. Since 2026, she has been offering thematic workshops focused on composition, color, and oil painting techniques. In San Diego, she actively participates in sketching and portrait sessions at SDSU and Liberty Station.

Her artistic mission is to build a bridge between contemporary Ukrainian impressionism—rooted in tonalism and European movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstraction, and Fauvism—and California Impressionism. She is considered one of the leading impressionist painters in San Diego.

www.viraustianska.com | @viraustianska