The Art of Realism
"April Lights"
Oil on masonite; 11 7/8"x 20"
Learn how to paint still lifes in this art class. |
On November 7, 2007, I'll begin teaching an art class at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Armory is a valuable cultural asset to the South Florida area, and I'm grateful to be a new member of the staff.
If you're interested in learning
step-by-step methods used by the old masters and would like to develop a finished painting, then this art class will help you. My class will include the following techniques:
1. Still Life Composition
Illuminate and compose still life objects under one source of light. The purpose of
this exercise is to create dramatic and interesting relationships between these objects
and a light source.
2. Drawing the Still Life
Interpret what you see by using your paint brush to draw a still life subject directly
onto a canvas.
3. The Underpainting
Develop an underpainting by using raw umber oil paint and by
sketching in the values
(lights and darks) of the
still life.You will learn the
importance of using this
underpainting as an initial
value study and foundation
for your final painting. You'll
also learn a second
approach to underpainting
called a wash-in.
4. Value and Color Studies
Execute a simple value and
color study. Value and
color studies will help you
plan the final painting. The old masters did many studies before executing the final
versions of paintings. If you had to take an exam for a class, would you study for
that exam? Or, would you approach that exam unprepared and hope for the best?
value study color study |
A quick value and color study the size of postage stamp can
help eliminate that hit or miss approach to painting.
5. Color Mixing
Learn a comprehensive approach to mixing colors for your
painting. I'll show you how to mix and arrange your colors in
values from light to shadow and how to add neutral greys to control chroma
(the brightness of colors). You will learn how to create a realistic palette of colors
to use for your paintings.
This art class will also cover oil painting mediums, brushes, priming canvases and masonite panels, as well as how to properly use these tools to achieve the desired effects for your painting.
The art of pet portraiture will also be discussed and offered as an option in this art class.
