From very beginning to very end, you will be guided carefully and thoroughly through all the steps necessary to create this simple still life in oil. We will focus on techniques and best practices, mainly so you walk away with a new set of skills to apply to other subjects in oils. But you will also come away with a beautiful painting to show for your efforts.

The steps we will take together are as follows:

We will begin by prepping our work area, talking about materials and how to use them, discussing a positive mindset and drawing our image in pencil.
Next, we will mix all of our colors for accuracy to match our photographic image and discuss having a good quantity to last between painting sessions, which may be up to a week or more apart.
Then we will put our first layers of oil paint on, starting with the background, then moving onto the egg.
- We will apply the paint on the background in a rudimentary way, then go back and refine and blend the colors.
Then we will do the same with the egg.
From here, we will break for several days to a week or more...as long as it takes for our first layer to completely dry.
Then we will apply our second layer for increased opacity and richness of color, as well as a new opportunity to blend and adjust colors, textures and edges as we see fit.
Finally, we will make finishing touches, sign our paintings and enjoy the feeling of having new knowledge and experience with this incredibly versatile medium.

Please make sure to post your finished painting in the Project Gallery so other students and myself can see your work and comment on it. I am more than happy to give feedback and help you through sticking points if you want it, so please do reach out to share your experience and your work!

Melanie Burchfiel

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