(Online) Painting through Uncertainty with Trevor Young

(Online) Painting through Uncertainty with Trevor Young

Class | Available

Intermediate - Advanced
9/21/2026-11/30/2026
7:00 PM-10:00 PM EDT on Mon
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$525.00

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(Online) Painting through Uncertainty with Trevor Young

Class | Available

Painting is more than technique—it is a way of thinking. This course will help painters build a thoughtful, sustainable studio practice through weekly discussions, demonstrations, critiques, and guided exercises. Discussions include methods of studio practice, historical writings by great painters, and visual analysis of masterworks from the past three centuries.

Multiple camera angles allow students to study palette construction, color mixing, brushwork, and the subtle decisions that shape a painting. Students are expected to paint between sessions, as consistent studio practice is essential to the course. Individual and group critiques provide opportunities for thoughtful conversation and shared problem solving.

We will explore topics such as developing a personal workflow, preserving the freshness of the paint, understanding the role of light, organizing the palette, overcoming creative blocks, and cultivating the discipline needed for a lifetime of painting.

Students will develop an inner dialogue to explore the role of uncertainty in the creative process, learning how to make decisions when there is no obvious answer and how to recognize moments when a painting asks for courage, restraint, or reflection.

This course helps students recognize uncertainty as the place where meaningful work begins and where lasting artistic growth is found. Students will leave with practical methods for building a meaningful studio practice and a deeper understanding of the creative process itself.

  • Recommended for master certificate students.

    Classes will be held on Federal Holidays unless otherwise communicated by your instructor. 

  • Materials List - These are the materials you will need to bring with you for this class.

    Your instructor has provided a list of materials required to participate fully in this class. 

    If you have any questions about specifics or what is needed week-to-week, please reach out to your instructor via the email in your confirmation letter. 

    • Specific brushes needed: An assortment of brushes in various sizes and shapes—these should be soft brushes that are ready for use. Please do not use hard bristle brushes.

    • A small assortment of palette knives (at least 2)

    • Multiple surfaces in various sizes. Minimum size is 8” x 10”. For the larger sizes, Trevor recommends a minimum of 18” x 24”. This will be expanded on in class. All canvases must be toned prior to class. It is best to tone with acrylic paint. Tone in a mixture of Yellow Ochre.

    • Disposable Paper Palette, no smaller than 12” x 16” (the larger the better, please no small palettes) 

    • Paper towels or rags - WSS does not provide these for personal use while painting

    • Dish Soap - for personal use to clean brushes 

    • Container for oil or acrylic mediums or solvents to take home. Please note this material cannot be disposed of in WSS sinks. 

    • Colors for Palette (you may paint with Oil or Acrylic, but Oil is recommended; Gamblin 1980 is an affordable choice): 

      • Cadmium red medium 

      • Cadmium red light 

      • Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Magenta 

      • Cadmium yellow or Cadmium yellow light 

      • Cadmium orange (optional) 

      • Yellow ochre 

      • Raw umber 

      • Raw Sienna

      • Ivory black 

      • Titanium white

      •  Cerulean blue, King’s blue, Sevres blue, or Pthalo Turquoise (Plaza brand: https://www.plazaart.com/plaza-artists-oil-37ml-phthalo-turquoise) (choose one) 

      • Cobalt blue 

      • Ultramarine blue

    If using oil paint:

    • Small jars with lids (minimum 2 for solvents and mediums) 

    • Odorless thinner such as Gamsol, a small jar

    • A small bottle of Gamblin’s Galkyd (4.2 or 8.5 oz.)

    If using acrylic paint:

    • Water cup 

    • Small spray bottle

    • A small bottle of acrylic medium (2 or 4 oz.), gloss finish (Golden recommended). 

    • Golden Acrylic Retarder is also a good medium.

    Optional Supplies: 


    It is required that you follow proper brush cleaning techniques while participating in WSS classes and programming. Please review this video and ask your instructor for a demonstration of proper cleanup practices.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iIKYsfjl_E

    Materials for cleaning brushes and PPE are the responsibility of the student.

    Such items may include but are not limited to:

    • Shop towels for painting & cleanup

    • Safflower oil (for oil paint cleanup)

    • dish/brush soap

    • Glass containers for oil & solvent storage as well as brush cleaning

    • Aprons

    • Gloves

    • dustmasks /n95 masks

    • Eye protection


     WSS provides a small amount of shared cleanup items for the Painting Room- 3A but it is much more efficient to bring and use your own. 

    • Shop towels may be purchased for $4 a roll from WSS Staff: M-F, 10am-5pm.


Trevor Young

Learn about your instructor & more on our faculty page!