Serlachius Art Camp – painting in oil

23.06.2026—28.06.2026

Mänttä

€460

Read more about the programme of the Art Camp

At Rembrandt’s studio as a master’s apprentice

At the Serlachius Art Camp, we travel to 17th-century Amsterdam to Rembrandt’s studio to learn the techniques of oil painting in the footsteps of one of the most famous painters and developers of painting of his time.

We will practice the use of undertones and the sketching techniques used by Rembrandt, such as white lifts and monochromatic underpainting. We experiment with rubbing colors and quick alla prima painting as well as layered glazes.

Under the guidance of conservator Riitta Fager, we will be able to get acquainted with the painting Abraham Meets Melchizedek by Rembrandt’s student Gerbrandt van den Eeckhout (1621–1674) from 1648, which is in the collections of the Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation.

The Art Camp programme is carried out in Finnish language.

Getting to know old tools and materials

In the lectures, we will get to know the work and personal history of Rembrandt and Van den Eeckhout, as well as the studio practices of the 17th century and training to become an artist. With the help of image examples, we go through the tools and materials used by the artists. Blue smalt made of cobalt-rich potash glass, poisonous but uniquely bright lead white, soft earth tones and intense reds were the preferred colors of many Dutch artists.

The teaching is personal and strives to take into account individual wishes and goals. Both traditional and water-soluble oil paints are suitable for the course. You can also use acrylic paints, gouaches or watercolors in your own work. The colors used in the course are non-toxic.

In addition to painting, we will make drawings, sketches and croquis sketches of a living model using charcoal and ink. Visual artist Riikka Lenkkeri is responsible for the skilful and warm-hearted teaching. At the camp, we will visit the summer exhibitions of the Art Town on guided tours, e.g. Serlachius Museums and the Mänttä Art Festival, and we will explore gallery exhibitions.

Painter Riikka Lenkkeri graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Genoa (L’Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti) in 1995. Her work reflects her knowledge of European painting: she became acquainted with old painting techniques and especially the Italian painting tradition already during hierstudies. Lenkkeri has a 30-year career as an artist, and his works can be found from several public and private collections.

The price of the camp is 460 €. The price includes teaching, lunches and visits with guided tours, as well as a material package. Accommodation and further costs related to food are the responsibility of the participants themselves. The camp is paid for online at the time of enrollment.

The camp is organised by the Tampere Summer University. Registration for the camp starts on 4.2.2026.