In this lesson, instructor Cornelia Hernes will guide you through the intricate process of refining the block-in drawing of your still-life. Emphasizing the significance of proportion and accuracy, Cornelia will demonstrate techniques to ensure each element of the composition is correctly represented. You’ll delve deep into constructing major shadow shapes, capturing the essence and depth of the objects without the use of paint. Additionally, Cornelia will share insights on how to further define the structural elements of the composition, transforming complex forms into clear, concise shapes. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be equipped with the skills to perfect your block-in drawing, setting a strong foundation for the subsequent painting stages.

This lesson belongs to the course, Introduction to Still-life Painting II. In this 15-week course, immerse yourself in the intricate world of still-life painting with a focus on observational techniques and composition. Guided by the expert hand of Cornelia Hernes, you’ll delve deep into the art of capturing still-life in its most vivid form. Starting with the basics of composition setup and brainstorming, Cornelia will introduce you to the nuances of color theory, the importance of lighting, and the role of texture in bringing objects to life. You’ll explore the significance of each element in a composition, learning to give each its due importance. The course will also cover advanced techniques like imprimatura, sight-size drawing methods, and the art of capturing transparency in objects like glass bottles. Cornelia’s hands-on approach ensures that by the end of the course, you’ll not only have a deep understanding of still-life painting but also the skills to create pieces that resonate with realism and depth. This course is a continuation of Tina Orsolic’s “Introduction to Still-Life Painting I,” which can be found here. While it’s not mandatory to complete Course I, doing so will provide you with a stronger foundational understanding of this companion course.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.