Book Description

Producing still life artwork can be a satisfying experience, as the artist is easily able to paint from life without the pressures of the shifting light or inclement weather. Not only that, any object can be selected, shifted about or the light source modified at will, meaning the artist has complete control over what lies in front.But challenges are certain to present themselves during the journey. Examples might be why ellipses end up looking like doughnuts, why porcelain looks more like clay or why fruit looks plastic. Some of these challenges may prove more difficult than others and unchecked, might cause a creative block. This is where this book comes in. With down to earth advice on common practices at fault, each issue is tackled in-depth: a diagnostic of the problem, suggested solutions in the form of recommended art materials and remedial painting exercises.In total, twenty-six common Speeves associated with still life painting are tackled within this book. In six clear sections, a myriad of other matters relating to still life painting are explained, such as how to paint textures in food, composing a still life, colour mixing, lighting an arrangement and a section on the essentials of oil painting, in total, with over 100 full colour illustrations and twenty diagrams.If the problem sought after is not in this book, it might be in one of my other Oil Painting Medic books within this series due to come out in 2011 and 2012.List of chapters in this book:1. How can I paint a still life without odours or mess?2. I haven "t the confidence to paint my first still life3. What art techniques can I use for different textures on objects?4. I have no interesting objects to paint5. My still life looks as though a child had painted it6. My backgrounds are bland and featureless7. My still life arrangement looks contrived8. My still life composition seems trite and uninspired9. I can never mix the colours I want10. How do I darken the colour of tomatoes?11. The flowers in my still life look wish-washy12. How can I paint detail without feeling overwhelmed?13. My study of tones looks like a hotchpotch14. The porcelain in my still life looks more like clay15. The food in my still life resemble plastic toys16. How do I make glass look real in my painting?17. My highlights resemble cut-out bits of paper18. How do I suggest moisture or pectin on fruit?19. Worn objects in my still life look new20. Objects in my still life appear flattened and lack form21. Why do my ellipses look like doughnuts?22. The spout on my teapot painting looks skewed23. My cuboid objects always look wrong24. My still life painting lacks atmosphere25. Indoor lighting makes my still life look dreary26. I can "t paint quick enough to capture the shifting lightA step by step demonstrationGlossaryPaintings featuredn this bookOther oil painting medic booksIf the problem sought after is not in this book, it might be in one of my other Oil Painting Medic books within this series due to come out in 2011 and 2012.