Course Description

In this class, students will create Alla Prima (wet on wet) still life paintings of chosen objects exploring value, form, and the dynamics of how they interact with a single light source. Working directly on the canvas with oil paint, they will develop tonal block-in before transitioning to color. Instructor demonstrations of each step will be followed by guided studio time with individual critiques.

Day 1 will begin with a demonstration by the instructor, starting with toning a surface, blocking in a drawing using paint, and making a series of color studies as a way to understand their subjects. Time will also be spent discussing color mixing, form modeling, paint handling and palette organization

On Day 2, students will create an Alla Prima still life of their chosen objects, taking their understanding from the previous day’s studies and applying it to their final painting.  

Students will have the option to work more slowly, spending Day 1 making various studies and familiarizing themselves with the objects they bring while spending Day 2 on the final painting.  Alternatively, they may choose to work more quickly, starting and finishing 2 different paintings over the two days.  Open to all levels, though some painting and drawing experience will be helpful.