Classical Still Life a course with Alexey Kondratyev

In this lesson we:

• we'll pay special attention to the melon: exploring its shape and color in depth;
• we'll learn to simplify reflected light and reflections, and remove unnecessary details using the bottle as our example;
• we'll explore the importance of tonal contrast and learn to control color saturation;
• we'll learn to mix deep, dark colors without using black pigments.

In this lesson we:

• we'll explore one approach to the background (drapery) using the wet-on-wet technique;
• we'll paint two apples using different techniques and discover the role of highlights in building volume;
• we'll learn to paint grapes, simplify the background elements, and bring focus to the foreground ones;
• we'll find out how to paint white objects and work on their ornamentation.

In this lesson we:

• we'll break down light and shadow on the tangerines and learn to sculpt volume with confidence;
• we'll master working with glass and the right layering sequence to convey transparency;
• we'll study techniques for painting reflections in metal and the tonal subtleties they involve;
• we'll talk about how to handle background folds.

In this lesson we:

• we'll talk about how to control and adjust the composition relative to the reference;
• we'll revisit the steps for constructing cylindrical objects;
• we'll see how to best convey the shape of a jar by ignoring the shapes of the vegetables inside it and keeping the main object dominant;
• we'll learn to convey the space of the still life by working with contrasts.

In this lesson we:

• we'll walk through the sequence of working on a still life from the very first steps to the finish;
• we'll do a tonal analysis of the setup and learn to mix the right gray tones using the main palette;
• we'll work on background areas and objects using the wet-on-dry technique and reinforce the rule of taking objects from light to shadow.

In this lesson we:

• we'll explore the variety of shades within a single color range and unlock the richness of the red palette;
• we'll analyze the shape of different vegetables and the nuances of capturing their proportions;
• we'll work with color and learn to mix complex, deep shades of red;
• we'll unpack the concept of warm and cool tones and understand their role in creating a realistic sense of volume.

In this lesson we:

• we'll learn how to accurately construct and paint everyday objects with complex shapes;
• we'll work through the painting sequence and naturally integrate an ornament into the volume of the object;
• we'll study graphic techniques for realistically conveying texture, using fabric with fringe as an example;
• we'll learn to boldly simplify secondary elements and place precise visual accents.

In this lesson we:

• we'll explore working with glossy surfaces and, using the jug as our example, convey shine through carefully observed reflected light;
• we'll look at one way to approach a multicolored drapery;
• we'll learn to build the volume of objects by controlling the tonal gradations of light and shadow;
• we'll talk about folds and how to use watercolor techniques to paint them.