Still Life Painting with a Limited Palette
Class | Registration opens 7/14/2025 12:00 AM PDT
Still life painting is an essential practice for mastering the techniques that form the foundation of all painting disciplines. In this 5-week class, we will explore composition, color harmony, and techniques for capturing the texture and quality of objects. We’ll focus on the four key aspects of painting: Proportion, Value, Color, and Edge. 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 two paintings, we will sharpen our observation skills and deepen our ability to translate what we see onto the canvas. Bring 1–5 objects that interest you and some fabric—something you’ve always wanted to paint! This class is designed for both beginners and experienced painters looking to strengthen their skills and artistic vision.
- Still Life Materials List
Palette:
Use a gray palette. You can make a gray palette by painting the back of a piece of plexiglass with gray acrylic or buy one from your local art store.
Soho Gray Palette (budget): https://amzn.to/3CuLNSj
New Wave Gray Glass Palette (fancy): https://amzn.to/3Cu3UrB
Brushes:
Any professional brushes in the following sizes are fine.
Hog Hair or Natural Bristle (Flat and/or Filbert): #4 (2), #6 (2), #8 (1) Kolinsky
Sable or synthetic (pointed): #4 (1) I use Rosemary and Co. Brushes. Here is a link to my basic set: https://www.rosemaryandco.com?u=dominiquemedici
Dominique will have a selection of Rosemary brushes for purchase
Paints:
Recommended Primary Set. No student grade, 40ml tube or larger.
Titanium White: https://amzn.to/3AtU6x5
Cadmium Yellow Light: https://amzn.to/2XAxZXr
Cadmium Red Light: https://amzn.to/3nOPqyv
Quinacridone Red: https://amzn.to/3zthNUS
Ultramarine Blue: https://amzn.to/3zovmVH
Cobalt Teal: https://amzn.to/3CyPdDs
Ivory Black: https://amzn.to/3AvIdqG
Optional Colors: Feel free to bring any colors you would like to use.
Painting Surface:
Use your preferred surface and prime with a neutral gray gesso unless otherwise instructed.
Masonite (hardboard), Canvas, Linen Panels, Stretched Canvas or Linen Size: Medici may recommend a specific sized canvas or panel. General sizes used are: 8” x 10”, 9” x 11”, 11” x 14""(Dominiques go to size), or 12”x16”
Quantity: Have 1 or 2 canvases ready for each class. Canvas Panels available for purchase each class $5
Mediums:
Any professional linseed oil is fine; my preferred is Gamblin.
Gamblin - Refined Linseed Oil 8 fl oz: https://amzn.to/3EyqktF
Brush Cleaner: Any professional OMS is good; my preferred is Gamblin. Gamblin - Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 16 fl oz: https://amzn.to/39l9eB1
Additional Materials:
Roll of Artist's tape or painter's Blue Tape: https://amzn.to/3AnrSnI
Binder clips and/or easel clips: 2
Two clip-on metal cups for Mineral Spirits/Gamsol and Linseed Oil: https://amzn.to/3EDl1Ji
Rags or Paper Towels: https://amzn.to/3hO1kF6 Sketchbook and Pencil (for notes and sketching)
Optional (not necessary but nice):
Additional LED Clip on Still life/Easel Light: https://amzn.to/3VpCn6U 3D
Color wheel: https://amzn.to/45odzzl
Mahl stick/Backscratcher (perfect for steadying your hands while painting): https://amzn.to/30H2PPD
Value Scale: (print out and paint one yourself)
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