Alla Prima Still Life Painting Tonal Design Demo Series (Online Course)
A la Carte-demos are $75/each
$425 for the full series
Demo notes:
- These demos were recorded in Fall 2026. Each demo is a 4-hour long start to finish alla prima still life painting based on a particular theme.
- Participants can register for the full series or a la carte.
- All six demos are now available.
- Registrants will be available to view the recordings through August 31, 2027.
- Registrants will also receive a document link. that includes a list of the materials used in the demo and a form to submit to ask questions. Submitted questions and their answers will be updated on the document. The document may be downloaded by participants.
- Please allow 24-48 hours to receive the video link.
- There are no refunds, transfers, or exchanges once payment is made for the complete series or a la carte demos.
Online tech needs:
- This demo series will be shared via a private video link on YouTube. YouTube is free but will require an account to view the video.
- It will be necessary for students to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Course Description
The theme for this semester’s alla prima still life painting series is tonal design. While subject matter can often be the primary motivation when composing a still life, by turning our attention to the emphasis imposed by the abstract distribution of value shape we can deepen our understanding of composition in a still life painting.
Artists will create their own full color compositions based entirely on the week’s chosen value theme and can be composed of organic objects like fruits and veggies and/or more structured objects like ceramics, glass, fabrics, or paper. Given that design plays such a crucial role in painting, this series will be great for intermediate painters as well as seasoned artists.
Each week, Dale will record a demo and discuss techniques and the pros and cons of the different value arrangements as he works. After watching the demo, students will work on compositions based on the weekly theme to complete a four-hour still life painting from start to finish. The series will examine how to combine a practical understanding of values, edges, and paint handling (without second guessing) with the goal of completing an aesthetic, naturalistic painting in one sitting. Artists are encouraged to participate in the theme and embrace the weekly idea as simply or complexly as they desire.
Each week Dale will discuss the pros and cons of the different value arrangements:
Week 1: Lemons
Light against dark
Choose light value objects against a dark background.
Week 2: Figs
Dark against light
Choose dark value objects against a light background
Week 3: Scallions
Light against middle
Choose light value objects against a middle value background
Week 4: Plums
Middle against middle
Choose middle value objects against a middle value background
Week 5: Jalapeňos
Middle against Dark
Choose middle value objects against a dark value background
Week 6: Garlic
Light against light
Choose light value objects against a light value background