WOW Factor: Reflective Surfaces

Workshop: Reflective Surfaces in Oils – Still Life

Description:
This workshop explores the challenge and beauty of painting reflective surfaces in still life compositions. We'll focus on capturing subtle shifts in value, color, and edge to bring depth and realism to glass, metal, and other shiny objects. With a foundation in solid painting principles and thoughtful preparation, you'll be guided through techniques to create luminous and believable still life paintings.

You’ll receive personalized instruction, painting demonstrations, and time at the easel to develop your skills with reflective materials.

Pre-Workshop Preparation:

Required Video:
Before the workshop, please watch this 45-minute video:
"What Every Artist Needs to Know"
https://vimeo.com/452078840/9f8c1bd5ea

This video introduces the fundamentals — Line, Value, Color, and Edge — and will help you understand the approach we’ll take in class.

Before You Arrive:

• Tone your canvas in a warm, mid-tone acrylic color appropriate to your subject.

  • If you're using an oil-primed canvas, use a thin wash of oil paint instead.

• Draw your subject on the toned canvas in advance using a pastel pencil.

• Choose a mid-tone color that reflects the average value of your subject matter — warm tones are preferred over cool.

Materials List

Canvas:

• 1 stretched canvas or canvas board

• Choose a shape and size appropriate to your subject — be realistic about what you can complete in class.

Brushes: These are the brushes the instructor uses, but feel free to bring your own favorites.

• 1” soft mop brush

• Small pointed brush or Rosemary & Co. Pure Sable Filbert Series 91, Size 8

• Rosemary & Co. Masters Choice Filbert Series 276, Sizes 8, 10, and 12

Paints:
Bring what you have. You don’t need to buy everything listed, especially since subject matter may vary. These are the instructor’s go-to colors:

• Sap Green

• Olive Green

• Viridian

• Winsor Green

• Cadmium Lemon

• Indian Yellow

• Naples Yellow

• Alizarin Crimson Permanent

• Permanent Rose

• Purple Madder

• Cerulean Blue

• Flesh Tint

Additional recommended colors:

• Art Spectrum Australian Red Gold

• Art Spectrum Italian Pink

• White: Winton Soft Mixing White (a transparent blend of Titanium and Zinc White)

Other Supplies:

• Odourless solvent (e.g., Gamsol)

• Paper towels

• Kneadable eraser

• Easel

• Mixing palette knife

• Large palette: approx. 18" x 28"

  • White-coated MDF board (hardware store) works well

  • Or: sheets from a disposable palette pad taped to your table

Reference Photos:

• Bring clear, well-lit images with strong light and dark contrast.

• If printing at home, use photo-quality paper, not plain paper.

• You may also use an iPad or tablet (this is the instructor’s preference).