The Art of Still Life: A Contemporary Guide to Classical Techniques, Composition, and Painting in Oil Bullet Points

Sunday, September 28, 2025

The Art of Still Life: A Contemporary Guide to Classical Techniques, Composition, and Painting in Oil, written by Todd M. Casey

  • Introduction to Still Life: Examines the rich history and significance of still life painting, acknowledging its evolution over the centuries.
  • Essential Materials: A comprehensive guide on selecting the right brushes, paints, canvases, and other tools for oil painting.
  • Classical Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on traditional methods used in classical still life, emphasizing the importance of learning from the masters.
  • Composition Fundamentals: Key principles of composition that enhance the visual storytelling of still life artworks.
  • Color Theory: Insight into color mixing, harmony, and applying color theory to create vibrant and dynamic still life compositions.
  • Lighting and Shadows: Techniques for understanding light sources and shadows to achieve realistic effects in oil painting.
  • Subject Matter Selection: Tips for choosing objects for still life arrangements that convey personal meaning or tell a story.
  • Practical Exercises: Engaging exercises designed to build skills in composition, color mixing, and brushwork.
  • Contemporary Approaches: Exploration of modern interpretations of still life, encouraging artists to infuse personal style and contemporary elements into their work.
  • Final Thoughts: Encourages artists to embrace their creativity and experimentation while honing classical techniques.

Reading The Art of Still Life by Todd M. Casey is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of classical painting techniques while also exploring your own artistic voice. 🎨📚 I was completely inspired by the clear instructions and beautiful visuals throughout the book, and I can't wait to try out the exercises myself! This book is a must-have for anyone interested in honing their skills in oil painting and composition-so definitely check it out!

Author's photo - Kevin Brooks
Kevin Brooks

I turn the books I love into bite-sized guides that help people decide what to read next. Back in high school-at a public school outside Columbus, Ohio-my classmates counted on my clear, concise summaries to study smarter, not harder. 


As I graduate this spring, I'm gearing up to pursue a degree in Digital Marketing and share my passion for reading by crafting engaging, actionable content for fellow book enthusiasts.

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