Still Life Painting: An Introduction
No class 1/18 in observance of MLK
Welcome to all levels, this 9-week course develops your still life painting skills in oil through an observational approach. Throughout the course, you will explore the beauty and material qualities of still life, using light, color, and paint handling to bring the scene to life. You will learn to establish a solid constructed drawing, create preparatory color and value studies, and build a finished painting through a clear step-by-step process that can be applied to any other subject matter. Classes include live demonstrations, dedicated painting time, and individualized feedback. By the end of the course, you will have gained a foundation in still life painting and greater confidence in creating form, space, and visual harmony in your future work.
Required Supplies
OIL COLORS
Titanium White (Large Tube)
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Red Light
Yellow Ochre
Alizarin Crimson
Cerulean Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Ivory Black
Raw Umber
Recommended Artist Grade Brands: Gamblin Artist's Oils, Michael Harding, Old Holland, Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colours, Royal Talens Rembrandt
PAINTING SURFACES
Tone your painting surfaces a neutral color (gray, natural) to avoid white canvas
Pre-stretched canvas or gesso-primed wood panel (8x10 – 9 X 12 in.)
Pre-stretched canvas or gesso-primed wood panel (11x14 – 16 X 20in.)
Spare canvas or panels recommended
MEDIUMS
Refined Linseed Oil
BRUSHES
At least 2-3 of each: Hog Bristle sizes 2, 4, 6, 10 (Flat or Filbert)
At least 2 small Synthetic/Sable brush for details (size: 0-2 pointed/sharp round)
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
• Palette (Wood, Clear Acrylic, or Paper Palette sheets)
• Palette Knife (medium spade or diamond-shaped)
• Brush Cleaning Jar with Lid
• Gamsol (8 oz. Gamblin odorless mineral spirit)
• Small Container with Lid (glass, metal, or plastic for storing paint medium)
• Willow Charcoal / Vine (Soft) Sticks or Nitram
• Kneaded Eraser
• Painter’s Tape (one roll)
Kalina Tosheva
Kalina Tosheva is an artist and instructor based in Seattle, WA. Working primarily in oil and charcoal, her work focuses on portraiture, figurative compositions, and...