Introduction to painting still-life
Dedicate some time to developing your painting in a series of controlled steps. Learn to select and prepare surfaces and materials, build a composition around a still-life and make supplementary studies to guide your colour application. For absolute beginners.
Course Code: VM589
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Learn the essentials of Still-life painting step by step, from paint handling and colour theory to composition.
For absolute beginners.
What will we cover?
How to develop a still life painting.
Painting techniques in both acrylics and oils such as scumbling, layering and wet in wet.
Tone and colour theory.
How artists work with tone, colour and composition.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Begin and develop a still life painting
- Identify and render tone and colour
-Appy a range of painting techniques in either acrylics or oils
- Gain an understanding of how artists work with tone, colour and composition.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for beginners or for students wanting a clear grounding. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical work, individual and group tutoring, group discussion, demonstrations, visual presentations and handouts.
The tutor will suggest artists to explore in relation to each project.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic paints and brushes required for the course are provided.
You will need to bring with you the following materials:
1. Rags or kitchen roll
2. Wear old clothes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This will lead you on to other intermediate courses in the next academic year, such as Painting 1 or 2 or Complete
painting course part 2: intermediate, which prepare you for the technical approaches necessary for oil or acrylic
painting on higher level painting courses such as Ways Into Abstract Painting or Painting and the Creative
imagination.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.