We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics

Richard Robinson

Join popular New Zealand artist Richard Robinson for his Complete Still Life Painting Course. Paint along step by step, starting with the basics of seeing and painting a single pear and gradually building your skills and confidence as you progress through 4 levels of painting challenges to finally master the professional techniques and concepts used by artists for great still life painting.

Read more

Join popular New Zealand artist Richard Robinson for his Complete Still Life Painting Course. Paint along step by step, starting with the basics of seeing and painting a single pear and gradually building your skills and confidence as you progress through 4 levels of painting challenges to finally master the professional techniques and concepts used by artists for great still life painting.

Enjoy Richard's easy teaching style and in depth demonstrations like thousands of his students have, all over the world. If you love impressionistic, richly coloured painting or want to learn to love it, this course is for you.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Progress from the basics and enjoy painting still life with confidence!
  • Learn an easy palette setup for still life painting.
  • Learn how to setup a still life and light it beautifully.
  • Learn how to see and paint shadow and light families.
  • Learn how to overcome the tricks your eyes play on you!
  • Learn how to paint realistic form using light and shade.
  • Learn how to match any colour.
  • Learn how to use lost and found edges for beautiful effects.
  • Learn artists techniques for drawing accurately.
  • Learn how to block in the big shapes first, to get on the right track.
  • Learn how to create realistic three dimensional form.
  • Learn what's good about painting on a toned canvas.
  • Learn how to make a painting glow with vibrant colour!
  • Learn the importance of grey colours.
  • Learn how to see and paint white objects (they're not actually white!)
  • Learn how to start a painting with masses instead of lines. this is great!
  • Learn the subtle 'make and break' technique for beautiful highlights.
  • Learn all of this and much more in this top rated course with popular new zealand artist and teacher richard robinson.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Learn how an artist sees and paints a subject simply and beautifully.
Welcome!

Welcome to the course!

Learn what's so great about still life painting.

Read more

Learn how to setup a simple still life and light it to best effect.

Learn the fundamental skill of dividing the visual world into light and shade families.

Learn the 8 elements of these families.

Simplify your subject into value planes - making it much easier to paint.

  • Learn how to draw this easily.
  • Learn to establish light and shadow families.
  • Learn to set the limits of your values.
  • Learn to compare values accurately using a colour isolator.
  • Learn about halftones.
  • Learn about hard and soft edges.

It's time to take the next step into... Colour!

  • Learn how to match any colour.
  • Learn the artists 'defocusing' technique to simplify your painting.
  • Learn about setting the colour range in your painting.
  • Learn about reflected light.
  • Learn where to use soft and hard edges.
  • Learn how to make a glowing light area.

Now it's time to hone your skills with 4 small paintings taking only 10 minutes each.

  • Learn more about lively brushwork.
  • Explore colour combinations.
  • Let that brush FLY!
Take the next step by adding more elements.
Introduction

Learn how to arrange and light a more complex still life.

You'll learn to consider variety and abstract shapes in your design. Important!

Painting in Acrylics

  • Try painting on a toned canvas.
  • Learn how to make acrylics dry slower to make painting easier.
  • Learn techniques to draw more accurately.
  • Start by blocking in the big shapes.

Learn how to paint realistic grapes.

Learn how to creating convincing three dimensional form.

Paint those finishing touches.

Delve deeper into still life painting.

Learn professional tips for conceiving and designing dynamic still life compositions.

  • See my colour palette and brushes.
  • Mix a neutral grey.
  • Use a printed greyscale to judge values against.


We'll paint in oils and you'll learn about:

  • Painting on a toned canvas
  • Setting the colour limits
  • Blocking in the big shapes
  • Tips for faster painting
  • Capturing vibrant colour.
  • Painting translucency.
  • Dealing with reflected colour.
  • Seeing and painting white objects.
  • Creating a large area of glowing light.

In Part 2 learn about:

  • Adding crisp details and finishing touches.
  • The importance of greyed colours in producing the effect of vibrant colour by contrast.
Now we're getting serious!
Welcome to the next level!

Learn about:

  • The still life setup.
  • The lighting configuration.
  • My colour palette.
  • My minimal brushes.

We'll be painting with oils and you'll learn about:

  • Starting painting with masses instead of lines - this is a fun and fluid way to paint!
  • Using the fuzzy-one-eye to simplify your vision.
  • Setting the colour limits.
  • Start with the most vibrant colour.
  • Blocking in big shapes in an abstract fashion.
  • Lost and found edges for variety and depth.
  • Painting glass (mainly what's behind it).
  • Painting a mirrored surface (mainly what's in front of it).
  • Creating a painting that glows with colour



  • Practice the 'make and break' technique for highlights.
  • Finishing touches.

Final thoughts and and encouraging word.

Well done for coming so far!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops hard and soft skills in art and design, which may help learners with their portfolios and develop their personal style
Taught by Richard Robinson, a popular New Zealand artist with global recognition
Suitable for learners with some artistic background
Utilizes an impressionistic style, which is popular for its creativity and abstract qualities
Coursework is broken down into four levels to help learners build confidence
Encourages learners to see and think like artists, fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter
Perhaps not suitable for complete beginners, as some artistic experience may be required

Save this course

Save Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Painter
Painters create visual works of art using paint. They may work in a variety of styles, including realism, impressionism, and abstract. This course may be useful for Painters who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Artist
Artists create visual works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings. They may work in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. This course may be useful for Artists who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Photographer
Photographers take pictures for a variety of purposes, including journalism, advertising, and fine art. They work with a variety of cameras and lenses to create images that communicate a message. This course may be useful for Photographers who want to improve their still life photography skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Curator
Curators are responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They work with a team of professionals to develop exhibitions, conduct research, and educate the public about the museum's collection. This course may be useful for Curators who want to improve their knowledge of still life painting. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for a variety of audiences. They work with a team of curators and staff to develop programs that are relevant to the museum's collection and mission. This course may be useful for Museum Educators who want to improve their knowledge of still life painting. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Photojournalist
Photojournalists use photography to tell stories about current events and social issues. They work for a variety of news organizations, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Photojournalists who want to improve their still life photography skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Commercial Photographer
Commercial Photographers take photographs for advertising, marketing, and other commercial purposes. They work with clients to develop a concept for the shoot and then create images that meet the client's needs. This course may be useful for Commercial Photographers who want to improve their still life photography skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Fine Art Photographer
Fine Art Photographers create photographs for artistic purposes. They work with a variety of media, including film, digital, and alternative processes. This course may be useful for Fine Art Photographers who want to improve their still life photography skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of a variety of projects, such as advertising campaigns, magazine layouts, and website design. They work with a team of artists and designers to create visual concepts and ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. This course may be useful for Art Directors who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Illustrator
Illustrators create visual images for a variety of purposes, such as books, magazines, and advertising. They work with a variety of media, including pen and ink, watercolor, and digital. This course may be useful for Illustrators who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Gallery Director
Gallery Directors are responsible for the overall operation of an art gallery. They work with a team of curators and staff to develop exhibitions, conduct research, and educate the public about the gallery's collection. This course may be useful for Gallery Directors who want to improve their knowledge of still life painting. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Designer
Designers create visual concepts for a variety of products, such as clothing, furniture, and home accessories. They work with a team of engineers and manufacturers to bring their designs to life. This course may be useful for Designers who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Art teacher
Art Teachers help students to develop their artistic skills and knowledge. They may teach a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. This course may be useful for Art Teachers who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Sculptor
Sculptors create three-dimensional works of art using a variety of materials, such as clay, stone, and metal. They work with a variety of tools and techniques to create sculptures that express a variety of themes and emotions. This course may be useful for Sculptors who want to improve their still life sculpting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts for a variety of products, such as logos, brochures, and website design. They work with a team of writers and editors to create visual designs that communicate a message. This course may be useful for Graphic Designers who want to improve their still life painting skills. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to see and paint light and shadow, how to match any color, and how to create realistic three-dimensional form.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics.
Originally published in 1924, this book is still considered one of the definitive works on oil painting techniques and materials. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Valuable resource for any artist who wants to learn more about light and shadow. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics to the techniques used by the great masters.
Classic text on oil painting. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of oil painting to the techniques and materials used by the great masters.
Valuable resource for any artist who wants to learn more about color and light. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of color theory to the techniques used by the great masters.
Comprehensive guide to oil painting. It covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Comprehensive guide to composition. It covers everything from the basics to advanced concepts.
Advanced techniques for painting in oil. It covers topics that are not typically found in other books, such as a multistep glazing technique, achieving luminosity, and painting flesh.
Comprehensive guide to still life painting. It covers everything from basic techniques to advanced concepts.
Impressionists use still-life paintings as a means of representation. covers the history and techniques of Impressionism and profiles some notable Impressionist artists.
Is an excellent resource for beginners in oil painting. It covers basic oil painting techniques and essential principles of art and design. It is written in a clear and concise style.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics.
The Ultimate Digital Painting Course - Beginner to...
Most relevant
Success
19th-Century Opera: Meyerbeer, Wagner, & Verdi
Turn Photographs Into Digital Paintings Using Photoshop
Paint Realistic Watercolour and Botanicals - MAGNOLIAS
Acrylic Painting: The Ultimate Canvas Painting Course
Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Getting Started with Git 2
50 days of LeetCode in python: Algorithms coding interview
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser