Still-Life Painting in the Sight-Size Method

In week one, Joe will introduce you to the materials needed for the course and show you how to set up a pear to paint from life. You will learn to create the initial drawing using sight-size. You will then watch him block in the big shapes of his painting.

In week two, Joe will continue on his block-in of the pear still-life. He will teach you how to take time and examine your painting before making any adjustments to shapes, values, and colors. You will learn to model forms and add details to the object for completion.

In week three, you will discover how to set up a still-life within a shadow box. Joe will show you how he arranges a composition using non-reflective objects against a dark background. Then, you will learn to create a value study as a preparatory step for your final painting.

In week four, Joe will show you how to create a color study for your still-life. You will practice premixing colors, blocking in, and making adjustments. Then, Joe will demonstrate the initial drawing of the final painting.

In week five, Joe will begin his still-life painting of non-reflective objects against a dark background. You will focus on the blocking-in stage. Joe will define shapes and slowly develop the values of the still-life.

In week six, you will watch as Joe continues working on his still-life painting of non-reflective objects against a dark background. You will learn to reestablish values and adjust shapes.

In week seven, you will learn to create a focal point for your painting. Joe will carry on his still life of non-reflective objects against a dark background. This session focuses on developing a hierarchy.

In week eight, Joe will complete his still-life painting of non-reflective objects against a dark background. You will watch Joe reassess his painting to see which areas need further refinement.

In week nine, Joe will demonstrate setting up a complex still-life composition using reflective objects against a light background. You will learn to create a value study as a preparatory step for the final painting.

In week ten, you will learn to create a color study for a complex still-life of reflective objects. You will practice premixing colors, blocking in, and making adjustments. Joe will demonstrate the initial drawing of the final painting.

In week 11, Joe will begin his still-life painting of reflective objects against a light background. You will focus on the blocking-in stage. Joe will take his time to develop the shapes and values of the still-life.

In week 12, Joe will teach you how to create a sense of perspective and space within your painting. He will continue on his still life of reflective objects against a light background. You will watch as he unifies values and simplifies the abstract shapes of the mixing bowl to push it behind.

In week 13, you will study the importance of edge quality when developing a painting. Joe will continue on his still life of reflective objects against a light background. He will demonstrate creating soft and sharp edges for different surfaces.

In week 14, Joe will complete his still-life painting of reflective objects against a light background. You will tune in as Joe shows you how he makes the final adjustments to values and colors.