Building a Still Life

Instructor: Sarah Paolucci

Dates: Wednesdays, April 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ages: 15+

Members: $324

Non-Members: $360

(Registration deadline: April 10)

Description:

This hands-on still life workshop focuses on teaching participants how to build and stage their own compelling still life from scratch. Students will bring a box (approximately 12–18 inches in each direction), along with fabric and a small selection of objects to place inside. Using these materials, we will explore how to create depth, structure, and visual interest through thoughtful composition. The workshop will cover how to arrange objects intentionally and set up lighting to enhance form, contrast and mood. Once the still life is established, participants will draw from observation and then develop the drawing into a finished oil painting, learning how to translate a well-designed setup into a strong, cohesive image on the canvas.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• 12-18” cubed cardboard box.
• Fabric in one color
• 3-4 items that fit in the box for the still life (can be more, but we will simplify if necessary)
• Box cutter
• 1-2 canvases, about 12x16"
• Palette
• Palette knife
• Softer flat brushes: small, medium and large
• Soft round brushes for details: small and medium
• Small container of Gamsol (link to purchase at Jerry's Artarama)
• Travel container for brush cleaning (link to purchase at Jerry's Artarama)
• Oil paints - any brand preferred, either student or professional grade (instructor recommends Gamblin or Williamsburg paints)
  • Suggested colors: Titanium White, Hansa Yellow light or Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Pyrrole Red, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Sap Green, Ultramarine Blue, Chromatic Black (Gamblin). Optional: Manganese Violet, Prussian Blue, Viridian

Instructor Bio:

Sarah Paolucci is an artist who focuses on the magic of light; reflection, translucency, opacity and color. The science of it is fascinating and mysterious! Sarah received her MFA in Illustration from the Hartford Art School. She has been an artist all her life and a graphic designer for over 15 years. As a mother of young children, creating artwork has become even more central to keeping her grounded.

Instructor's website: https://www.sarahtheartist.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here