PRIMER

PRIMER

A new kind of painting course — for thinkers, starters, and future artists

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PRIMER is a unique program developed by the Martin Kinnear Studio in concert with his MA Painting study at  the Royal College of Art, the world’s leading university for painting. Whether you're an undergraduate refining your direction, a postgraduate rethinking your medium, or a complete newcomer wanting to start with purpose — PRIMER is your foundation.

This isn’t about learning to paint like someone else. It’s about learning to ask the right questions about what you want to do with paint — and starting to build a studio practice that’s truly your own.

 

What is PRIMER?

PRIMER is where technique meets intention. Over a carefully structured set of sessions, we explore the core materials, processes, and visual ideas of oil painting — but always in service of helping you define your own direction.

You’ll explore:

• What kind of painter you want to be

• How to ask critical questions about your making

• How to begin shaping a studio practice that’s personal, sustainable, and purposeful

• It’s an ideal starting point for:

• Undergraduates preparing for final-year projects or MA applications

• Postgraduates seeking clarity and renewal in their practice

• Non-specialists and newcomers looking for an accessible but thoughtful route into oil painting

 

Why Take PRIMER?

Thoughtful, not generic
. We don’t teach you what to think. We teach you how to think through paint — to interrogate your process, explore your materials, and build an approach that reflects your concerns, curiosities, and creativity.

Rooted in excellence 
PRIMER draws on Martin Kinnear’s experience at the RCA supporting postgraduate development. You’ll get the kind of insight and structure usually reserved for specialist art school settings — delivered in a supportive, approachable way.

Find your focus
 PRIMER gives you the tools to start a practice, sharpen your voice, and make informed choices about what you want to pursue next — whether that’s The Oils Program, our first tier course at our contemporary painting atelier  or an independent body of work.

 

What You’ll Get

A broad online and on demand introduction to the key concepts and materials of painting in all mediums including useful exercises to help you locate your core materials practice. 

Structured critical thinking exercises to question and refine your materials choices

Studio prompts, materials advice, and optional 121 technical practice support (subject to booking at an incremental cost)

A clear next step — join The Oils Program or progress to under or post grad study

 

Where Will PRIMER Take You?

PRIMER is both a starting point and a sharpening stone. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and make informed, creative decisions about where you’re going with your painting — and why.

Whether you're new to painting or ready to reboot your studio practice, PRIMER is the space to make your next move a considered one.

Register your interest in PRIMER Now