Painting the Still Life in Oils

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

In this chapter, I invite you to explore the tranquil world of still life painting in oils or acrylics, a practice that is both meditative and enlightening. We'll delve into the art of selecting simple objects and arranging them to create a harmonious composition. The beauty of a still life lies in its simplicity, and by choosing basic shapes and forms, we can focus on the essentials of composition and color without feeling overwhelmed. I've opted for a straightforward setup with a black background and a white cloth, allowing the colors of our chosen objects to truly shine. This lesson will guide you through the process of setting up your still life in a way that enhances its features, using directional lighting to craft captivating shadows and highlights. You'll learn how to maximize vibrant color and create beautifully three-dimensional objects with just five values. With my step-by-step guidance, you'll discover new techniques and tips that will elevate your painting from ordinary to extraordinary, all while enjoying the calming process of creation. Let's embark on this artistic journey together, one brushstroke at a time.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson

Lemon Tea 12x12" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson

Step 33Final adjustments and highlights

Use a Soft Brush

Select a very soft brush to create interesting brushwork. Experiment with the brush to see how it affects the texture and feel of the painting.

Switch to a Smaller Brush

Switch to a smaller brush and add lighter colors with a touch of yellow. Be precise with the placement of these lighter areas to enhance the details.

Utilize a Mall Stick

Use a mall stick to steady your hand for precise work on small sections, such as reflections or edges. This will help maintain control and accuracy.

Create Crisp Edges

Use a palette knife to achieve crisp edges where needed. This technique is particularly useful for defining sharp lines and adding contrast.

Loosen the Painting

Extend certain areas to create a looser feel. Break up rigid lines and then refine them to add interest and dynamism to the composition.

Enhance Three Dimensionality

Darken the core shadow on the lemon to improve its three-dimensional appearance. This adds depth and realism to the object.

Adjust Reflections

Evaluate small reflections and reduce them if they do not contribute positively to the painting. This helps maintain the overall balance and focus.

Pro tipUse a palette knife for crisp edges to add contrast and definition.

← Step 32: Background brushwork

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your still life painting journey by carefully selecting simple objects that resonate with you. Set them up in an environment that enhances their features, using lighting to create captivating shadows and highlights. Begin with a straightforward composition, focusing on basic shapes to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you arrange your subjects, consider their placement and how they interact with each other and their surroundings to create a balanced and engaging composition.

As you progress, use techniques like overlapping and adjusting your viewpoint to create depth and interest. Pay attention to lighting, ensuring your subject and canvas are well-lit without interference. Experiment with light intensity and color to find the perfect mood for your painting. Choose your materials wisely, from the canvas to the brushes and palette, to support your artistic vision.

Finally, prepare your canvas with a toned surface to ease the painting process. Consider different methods for drawing your subject, whether through projection, grid transfer, or freehand sketching. These foundational steps will guide you in capturing the essence of your still life, allowing you to express your creativity and refine your skills with each brushstroke.

Points to remember

Choose simple objects to focus on composition and color.
Keep your composition simple with two main subjects.
Avoid placing objects so they just touch at their outlines.
Use overlapping objects to enhance the sense of depth.
Adjust your viewing angle to see how it affects the composition.
Position your light source at a 45-degree angle to enhance roundness.
Use a combination of daylight and normal bulbs for balanced lighting.
Use the grid transfer method for precise and proportionate drawings.