3301 Oil Basics – Beginner
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A sunlit country road curves gently through lush green fields, bordered by grasses, wildflowers, and a softly swaying tree under a calm sky. In this Beginner level Oil painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this peaceful rural scene in a 114 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, introducing foundational techniques while building a complete and satisfying landscape.

You’ll learn the basics of working with water mixable (water miscible) oil paints, including how to block in large shapes, control brushwork, and build a painting in logical stages. Jerry demonstrates how to construct the road, fences, and tree elements with proper perspective while keeping the composition balanced and natural.

Special focus is given to blending techniques and creating soft transitions in sky and land, as well as developing texture in grasses and foliage. You’ll explore how to use color mixing and value control to create depth, light, and atmosphere throughout the painting.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in using water mixable oil paints, understanding essential techniques, and completing a full landscape from start to finish. This is an excellent starting point for beginners looking to learn oil painting fundamentals in a clear and approachable way.