Still Life Painting with a Limited Palette
Still life painting is an essential practice for mastering the techniques that form the foundation of all painting disciplines. In this 4-week class, we will explore composition, color harmony, and techniques for capturing the texture and quality of objects. We’ll focus on the four key aspects of painting: Proportion, Value, Color, and Edge. Using a carefully selected primary palette of seven colors, we will refine our understanding of color relationships and theory. Through technical exercises and the completion of two paintings, we will sharpen our observation skills and deepen our ability to translate what we see onto the canvas.
Required Supplies
Palette: Use a gray palette. You can make a gray palette by painting the back of a piece of plexiglass with gray acrylic or buy one from your local art store
-Soho Gray Palette (budget): https://amzn.to/3CuLNSj
-New Wave Gray Glass Palette (fancy): https://amzn.to/3Cu3UrB
Brushes: Any professional brushes in the following sizes are fine,
-Hog Hair or Natural Bristle (Flat and/or Filbert) #4 (2), #6 (2) #8 (1)
-Kolinsky Sable or synthetic (pointed) #4 (1)
I use Rosemary and Co. Brushes Here is a link to my basic set: https://www.rosemaryandco.com?u=dominiquemedici
Paints: No student grade, 40ml tube or larger
-Titanium White https://amzn.to/3AtU6x5
-Cadmium Yellow Light https://amzn.to/2XAxZXr
-Cadmium Red Light https://amzn.to/3nOPqyv
-Quinacridone Red https://amzn.to/3zthNUS
-Ultramarine Blue https://amzn.to/3zovmVH
-Cobalt Teal https://amzn.to/3CyPdDs
-Ivory Black https://amzn.to/3AvIdqG
Painting Surface: Use your preferred surface and prime with a neutral gray gesso unless otherwise instructed
- Masonite (hardboard), Canvas, Linen Panels, Stretched Canvas or Linen
Size: Medici may recommend a specific sized canvas or panel General sizes used are: 8” x 10”, 9” x 11”, 11” x 14" or 12”x16”
Quantity: Have 1 or 2 canvases ready for each class
-Richeson gray toned hardboard panel 11”x14” https://amzn.to/2Z5cOxd
-Handmade Prepared Gray Panel are available in class for $7 each
Mediums: Any pro linseed oil. My preferred is Gamblin. Get the size that works for you
-Gamblin- Refined Linseed Oil 8 fl oz https://amzn.to/3EyqktF
-Gamblin- Refined Linseed Oil 32 fl oz https://amzn.to/2XCEj0E
-Winsor & Newton Liquin Fine Detail Medium, 75ml https://amzn.to/39rngAY
-Brush Cleaner: Any pro OMS is good. My preferred is Gamblin. Get the size that works for you
-Gamblin- Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 16 fl oz https://amzn.to/39l9eB1
-Gamblin- Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 33.8 fl oz https://amzn.to/3Av5wkq
-Gamblin- Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 128 fl oz https://amzn.to/3EE9hGK
Additional Materials:
-Roll of Artists tape or painters Blue Tape
-Artists Tape https://amzn.to/3AnrSnI
-Two clip on metal cups for Mineral Spirits and Linseed Oil https://amzn.to/3EDl1Ji
-Rags or Paper Towels https://amzn.to/3hO1kF6
-Sketchbook and Pencil (for notes and sketching)
Optional:
-LED Clip on Still life/ Easel Light https://amzn.to/3VpCn6U
Dominique Medici
Dominique Medici is a figurative oil painter based in Seattle. She studied in London and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Medici has received awards...