Every great painter, from the Old Masters to modern visionaries, has a shared secret. Before they tackled epic landscapes, expressive portraits, or complex narratives, they first mastered the quiet, humble world of the still life.
Why? Because painting from still life is, quite simply, the most effective way to learn the foundational skills of art. It is the artist’s laboratory—a place to gain true mastery over the elements that make a painting come alive.
Think about the challenge we face as artists: how do we take the three-dimensional world, with all its light, shadow, texture, and form, and convincingly translate it onto a flat canvas? The answer lies in learning to truly see, and still life is our greatest teacher.
Unlike a landscape where the light changes by the minute, or a portrait model who needs a break, your still life setup is patient. It waits for you. It allows you to study the subtle turn of a shadow, the way light reflects off a ceramic bowl versus a soft fabric, and how colors influence one another in close proximity.
This is the best way to learn the “big four” pillars of all great art: Proportion, Value, Color, and Edge.
This August, we are providing the perfect environment to build this essential foundation in a transformative weekend workshop: Still Life Painting with a Limited Palette, led by the incredible guest instructor, Dominique Medici.
We honestly feel so fortunate to bring an artist and educator of Dominique’s caliber to our studio. She is a nationally recognized painter who teaches sought-after workshops across the country. Dominique’s calm way of instruction brings confidence to your work.
As one of her students, Patti, so powerfully stated, taking this class earlier “would have changed my life.” That’s the power of building a strong foundation with an exceptional guide.
In this workshop, you will move beyond simply copying objects and learn to see with an artist’s sensibility. Using a carefully selected primary palette of seven colors, we will refine our understanding of color relationships and theory. Through technical exercises and the completion of 1-2 paintings per day, we will sharpen our observation skills and deepen our ability to translate what we see onto the canvas.
This is your opportunity to build the skills you’ve been searching for.
- What: Still Life Painting with a Limited Palette with Dominique Medici
- Dates: Saturday, August 30th & Sunday, August 31st, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Cost: $380
- All Levels – Oil Painting
Whether you are just starting your journey and want to begin with the strongest possible footing, or you’re an experienced painter looking to sharpen your core skills, this workshop is for you. Spaces are limited because a strong foundation requires personal guidance.
Stop wondering how to get better and start building the skills that will empower your entire artistic practice. Join us, and learn to paint with confidence from one of the best.
