Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics from Udemy

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.
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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.

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

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering Still Life Painting in Oils or Acrylics with these activities:

Read Milton Glaser's 'Drawing is Thinking'

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Learn about drawing as a way to think and develop ideas.

View Milton Glaser: Graphic Design on Amazon

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Read the first chapter of the book.
Explore the exercises in the book and try a few.
Write a summary of the key points in the book.

Read James Gurney's 'Color and Light'

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Gain a deeper understanding of color and light in painting.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Read the first few chapters of the book.
Complete the exercises in the book.
Write a summary of the key points in the book.

Practice drawing exercises

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Improve your drawing skills by practicing specific exercises.

Browse courses on Drawing Techniques

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Choose a simple object to draw.
Break down the object into simple shapes.
Practice drawing the object from different angles.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Practice painting exercises

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Improve your painting skills by practicing specific exercises.

Browse courses on Painting Techniques

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Choose a simple still life object to paint.
Set up a still life arrangement with good lighting.
Practice painting the still life object, focusing on accuracy and detail.

Watch video tutorials on drawing techniques

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Learn new drawing techniques and improve your skills by watching video tutorials.

Browse courses on Drawing Techniques

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Find video tutorials on drawing techniques that you want to improve.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.
Practice the techniques you learned in the tutorials.

Watch video tutorials on painting techniques

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Learn new painting techniques and improve your skills by watching video tutorials.

Browse courses on Painting Techniques

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Find video tutorials on painting techniques that you want to improve.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.
Practice the techniques you learned in the tutorials.

Create a drawing inspired by a scene or object

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Demonstrate your understanding of drawing by creating your own drawing.

Browse courses on Drawing Techniques

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Choose a scene or object that you find inspiring.
Sketch the scene or object, using simple shapes.
Refine your sketch and add details.

Join a painting group and share your work

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Get feedback on your painting and learn from others by joining a painting group.

Browse courses on Painting Techniques

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Find a painting group in your area or online.
Attend the group meetings and share your work.
Get feedback from other members and discuss painting techniques.

Create a painting inspired by a still life arrangement

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Demonstrate your understanding of still life painting by creating your own painting.

Browse courses on Painting Techniques

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Choose a still life arrangement that you find inspiring.
Set up the still life arrangement and take a photo of it.
Create a painting of the still life arrangement, using the photo as a reference.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Painter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Art Photographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gallery Director

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sculptor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer