Intro to Still Life Painting

Intro to Still Life Painting

Adult Course | Registration opens 4/1/2025 7:00 AM MST

200 Grant Street Denver, CO 80203 United States
202 Atelier
Beginner, Intermediate
5/1/2025-5/29/2025
6:00 PM-9:00 PM MST on Th
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$277.50
$235.87

Intro to Still Life Painting

Adult Course | Registration opens 4/1/2025 7:00 AM MST

This class will be focusing on the the wet-on-wet approach, also known as Alla Prima, where you apply a new layer of oil paint on a still-wet layer rather than waiting for the paint to dry before applying the next, usually finishing a painting in no more than three hours.

In each session we will discuss different elements of alla prima painting as well as problem solving to address common mistakes as they arise. Each class will begin with a demonstration which will cover topics like set up, paint handling, composition, organization of shapes and values, creating convincing forms, edges, and basic understanding of color. A different painting will be done each session.

  • Learning Objectives:
    By the end of the class in addition to the core alla prima techniques, students will learn how to approach and execute compelling still life paintings. This includes arranging effective compositions, accurately observing and rendering forms and colors, strategically applying paint to emphasize focal points, and developing a cohesive, harmonious final work that captures the essence of the subject and conveys a sense of light and atmosphere you will be able to understand.
  • -Vine or willow charcoal
    -Glass or wood Palette. Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal is recommend. Please void paper palettes.
    -Palette knife: 1.5" to 2" almond shape, the most FLEXIBLE you can find.
    -Razor paint scraper.
    -Paper towels- blue shop paper towels recommended
    -Brushes - whatever sizes the artist feels comfortable using. Recommendations: a mix of small, medium, and large flat and filbert brushes.
    -9"x12” or similar size canvas or panel. One per class
    -Gamsol
    -Sealable brush washer container for Gamsol

    Oil Paints:
    -Titanium White
    -Cadmium Yellow
    -Cadmium Red
    -Alizarin Crimson
    -Raw Umber
    -Ultramarine blue
    -Ivory Black
    -Feel free to bring any other colors you like ***Avoid Michael´s Artist Loft brand oil paints***

    Optional
    -Latex/nitrile gloves
    -Apron or clothing which you don't mind ruining.
Cristian Mora

To Cristian Mora, art is the search for truth and beauty in reality and imagination, in the natural and the unnatural, in the benign and the eldritch. A native of San Ramón, Costa Rica, he started painting rainforest scenes as a young child. His love to create only grew from there as he experimented with and discovered new styles and mediums. 

 

Working primarily in oils, Cristian incorporates a vast array of styles, subjects, and techniques, including Alla Prima work, plein air painting, city and landscapes, figure painting, and imaginative dark realism. He explores not only these but also other visual arts such as photography and digital media. 

 

Cristian’s studio is in Denver, CO, where he lives with his wife, Emily. He teaches at the Art Students League of Denver as well as private lessons. To see more of his work or to contact the artist, please visit cristianmora.com or follow @moraart on Instagram.