CRAWSHAW PAINTS OILS
8 x 30’
In this series, Alwyn Crawshaw introduces and demonstrates the techniques and equipment needed for successful oil painting. Like his series on watercolour, this series strips away the mystique
about painting in oils and shows how simple and enjoyable it can be.
Each of the eight programmes is a self-contained lesson, shot in a different location. Alwyn demonstrates the different techniques required to
paint each location and puts them into practice as he paints the scene. The eight programmes combine to make a complete course. The series was shot entirely on location in England's West Country
Programme One Introduction
In this introductory programme Alwyn Crawshaw reveals that oil painting does not require huge
amounts of expensive equipment: "All I have is 6 tubes of paint, a palette knife, 5 brushes, some turps for thinning the paint and some gel for drying the paint." In fact, the whole point of
the series is to demonstrate to leisure painters that oil painting is just as easy and accessible as watercolour, the subject of Alwyn's first series.
Programme Two Colours
Alwyn shows how to use just six colours to make a vast range of colours and tones - there's no need to have lots of tubes of paint when it's easier to make your own colours.
Programme Three Brushes
Surrounded by the activity around Lympstone Jetty as people launch their fishing boats and sailing dinghies, Alwyn describes the different types of brush and demonstrates what each
brush can be used for as he paints the busy harbour scene.
Programme Four Painting Surfaces
Different painting surfaces give different results, and Alwyn uses various types of canvass and other surfaces to demonstrate this point.
Programme Five How to Start a Painting
A blank canvas can be a frightening prospect but there are different ways to start a picture.
Alwyn demonstrates different drawing techniques, using charcoal, pencil and paint.
Programme Six Sketching Moving Animals
Sometimes time is short and Alwyn demonstrates how to paint a quick oil sketch at The Shire Horse centre.
Programme Seven Painting from Photographs
It's not always possible to paint outside but photographs can be used to remind us of the
scene. Alwyn chooses a selection of photographs and advises on what to avoid and how to get the best out of our photos. During the programme he paints two pictures, one of a harbour scene, and the other a skyscape.
Programme Eight The Cricket Match
This is the last programme and Alwyn chooses an ambitious subject - a village cricket match
to demonstrate in one programme all of the techniques used throughout the series. Sitting under the shade of an old oak, Alwyn paints a match on a glorious sunny day. During the
programme, Alwyn also demonstrates how to draw people and trees.
Producer: InProduction Ltd.
Availability: Worldwide, all media