Pacific Art League
2026 Class Description:

PAINTING CALIFORNIA IN OIL
October 9, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Painting California, its coast and rolling hills. Getting the right values while getting the California colors correct will be a major focus of this workshop. And learning to mix the various colors of the rocks on the coast will be invaluable. As reference to paint from, Douglas will provide photos from a few PCH spots near Carmel/Monterrey. Class will cover the basic principles of oil painting with regard to landscape and seascape painting. Whether just starting out or a seasoned painter, sound principles are a key foundation and you will get a lot accomplished in this one day workshop. Discussions and lectures on composition, massing, building form, light and shadow, developing atmospheric distance and depending on your own style, knowing when a work is finished (learning how to not overwork your painting). Students will work in their own style/technique so that the finished work is their own.

Demos and individual discussions/instruction will help each student. Douglas will be able to assist students with mixing, and will review individual students a few times during the day. Plan to mix a very comprehensive palette which will help you with your color mixes and values and a couple paintings - one small and one a bit larger. Plan to bring notebook/sketchbook and enjoy some demos along with some great stories to help you remember these principles that are the foundation of Douglas’ teaching.

Douglas’ Biography:
Douglas David has painted his way across the country, capturing the beauty and spirit of the things he loves - tranquil country landscapes, sunrises and sunsets on his favorite beaches, a simple pitcher of spring lilacs or peonies, a slice of watermelon on a checkered tablecloth. His paintings are beautiful, simple and timeless. After graduating with honors from Herron School of Art, Indiana University, Douglas went on to study for a number of years with Frank Mason, famed instructor from the Art Students League of New York and student of Frank Vincent DuMond. A recipient of numerous regional and national awards and honors, Douglas is a member of many art associations and clubs including Hoosier Salon, Naples Art Association, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Salmagundi Club and Southern Vermont Arts Center. Douglas’s teaching is a way of giving back and sharing some of his journey with those who choose to study with him. He loves to share insights into the DuMond Palette with his students and bases all of his teachings on classic principles. Douglas’s work has been chosen for many private and public collections, including the Vice President’s residence, the United States Embassy to Sierra Leone, and most recently, by request of Ambassador Donnelly, the United States Embassy to the Holy See (Vatican City). For more detailed information, visit www.douglasdavid.com.

Class supply list:

Great News! Oil Painting Supply Kits are now available through the link below. Douglas used to offer kits in class, but demand was too great to keep up with, so this is the better way to get all the correct materials for the workshop!

https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101002724-15828925

You can click on the Blick link and order a kit in part or in its entirety, or assemble the supplies below.

(these are not absolute, just my way of getting to a good result)

01557-4043 Blick oil Yellow Ochre 40 ml
01557-3543 Blick oil Cad Red Hue 40 ml
01557-3063 Blick oil Crimson Alizarin 40 ml
01557-7133 Blick oil Terre Verte 40 ml
01557-7093 Blick oil Sap Green 40 ml
01557-2253 Blick oil Ivory Black 40 ml
01557-4753 Blick oil Yellow Green 40 ml
01557-4063 Blick oil Lemon Yellow 40 ml
01557-5163 Blick oil Phalo Blue 40 ml
01557-7803 Blick oil Phalo Green 40 ml
01557-5133 Blick oil Ultramarine Blue 40 ml
02121-7583 Utrecht oil Prussian Green 37 ml
00452-1004 Permalba oil White 150ml
01654-3322 Utrecht acrylic Cad Red Hue 59 ml
01654-1012 Utrecht acrylic Titanium White 59 ml
03117-1132 Palette Knife 132
03017-1002 Palette Cup
00445-2104 W&N Liquin 75ml
03092-2523 Richeson Palette Paper 9x12
06223-9118 Princeton Brush Set 9118
05160-1001 White Gesso Brush 1" Quantity 2
05160-1002 White Gesso Brush 2" Quantity 2
07135-2002 Canvas 8x10/Quantity 2
07135-2006 Canvas 12x16/Quantity 1
04724-1004 Disposable Gloves Large
00442-1005 Turpenoid 8 oz
03333-1006 Plastic Jar with lid 16 oz

And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable.

You can prime all canvas with a thin coat of thinned down Cad Red light and Titanium White Acrylic to make a pink or light red salmon tone on canvas. It can be thin and applied with a blue shop towel or rag. It can also be done in class if that is easier. (You can paint oil over acrylic but can’t paint acrylic over oil.)

Douglas has a “suitcase of supplies” he brings along, it includes some recommended books, and some supplies in case a few students need a few items that are forgotten.

1st hour: Welcome / Overview of Class.
2nd hour: Discuss principles and mix palette.
Lunch: Brown bag.
Afternoon: In studio.

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