STILL LIFE
PAINTING
SUMMER WORKSHOP 2025
Workshop Details
This workshop is an opportunity to study in the 19th century atelier method using the sight-size technique to develop one’s skills as an oil painter. Students will create paintings of still life setups, making observations directly from life under natural light. This allows the student the opportunity to observe the properties of light, and shadow, as they exist in nature. The quality of light represented in a work of art has long been revered as one of the most important elements of good — or great — painting. The techniques presented in this workshop will help to achieve this effect in one’s painting.
This workshop serves artists of all levels, from beginners to accomplished artists. To learn the stages of how to build up an oil painting, one may expect to work on a painting for several days. Full day students work on a morning painting and a separate afternoon painting.
Still life painting is an excellent way for artists wishing to learn or enhance knowledge of:
proportion
tonal values
chiaroscuro
composition
optical properties of paint
unified field of vision
edge quality
glazes & scumbles
layering paint, from lay-in to finishing touches
oiling out vs. retouch varnish
big shapes to fine details
illusion of form and space
familiarity with the general rules of oil painting
A student may expect to gain knowledge of the various tools essential in oil painting:
brushes
palettes
pigments
oil mediums
varnishes
canvases
plumb line
sight mirror
The Instructor
Jonathan Sherman studied and taught in ateliers in Florence, Italy before returning to the United States to open his eponymous studio. For 20 years he has trained aspiring Artists in the development of their art and craft. He has also continued to create original and commissioned works of Art, which are housed in private and corporate collections throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States.
“Jonathan Sherman is a magnificent artist who has extraordinary insight into the mind and experiences of a developing artist. He has expertly guided me to develop a foundation of tried and true old master methods, more efficiently than I ever imagined. His individualized guidance has been pivotal for me as an artist and, in many ways, personally transformative. I am deeply grateful.” – S. Shea
The Studio
The Studio of Jonathan Sherman is a 1,600 square foot space in the historic Mugford Building, built in 1880. It has large, north facing windows — ideal light for drawing and painting. Located centrally in the historic district of Marblehead, Massachusetts, students can enjoy their breaks at nearby parks on our famed harbor; at a number of cafés and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the studio; or walking through our colonial village. If you’re considering traveling from afar, Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue have named Marblehead one of the best summer destinations in New England. There are a number of options for short-term accommodations in town; please feel free to contact the studio for specific recommendations. We’ll look forward to seeing you.
Workshop Schedule, Tuition & Registration
Students may choose which session/s they would like to register for.
SESSION 1
July 14th — July 25th
SESSION 2
July 28th — August 8th
SESSION 1 + 2
July 14th — August 8th
Students may choose their preferred time of day for study — mornings, afternoons or the full day.
Mondays – Fridays
Mornings: 9am – 12pm
Afternoons: 1pm – 4pm
SESSION 1 or 2 TUITION
Mornings: $1,000
Afternoons: $1,000
Full day: $1,500
SESSION 1 + 2 TUITION
Mornings: $1,750
Afternoons: $1,750
Full day: $2,500
*Klarna payment plans for up to 36 months available at checkout. Materials not included.
