STILL LIFE
PAINTING
2026 SUMMER WORKSHOP
MARBLEHEAD | NORTH SHORE OF MASSACHUSETTS
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.
Limited to eight students.
July 14 – August 7, 2026
*Two or four week sessions — details below
DATES
SCHEDULE
Monday – Friday, 9–12 and/or 1–4
Serious artists of all levels, from beginners to accomplished, ages 14 and older.
LEVEL
$1,000 – $3,000
*Klarna payment plans for up to 36 months available at checkout. Materials not included.
TUITION
The Studio of Jonathan Sherman in Marblehead, Massachusetts
LOCATION
What You Will Learn
proportion
tonal values
chiaroscuro
composition
optical properties of paint
Still life painting is an excellent way for artists wishing to learn or enhance knowledge of:
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 or advance 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 establish his own studio. He first trained at Charles H. Cecil Studios, where he studied under Charles Cecil — a direct heir to the Boston School tradition through R.H. Ives Gammell and Richard Lack. Building on this lineage, Jonathan continues the practice of classical realism with his own perspective and love of naturalism — an approach that demands both mastery and transcendence of technique. For more than twenty years, he has trained aspiring artists in the development of their craft while continuing to produce original and commissioned paintings. His works, grounded in the principles and techniques of the 15th–19th century masters, are held in private and corporate collections across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Notes from Students
“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
“Jonathan teaches with passion and a conviction that his students can rise to what he asks of them. He makes excellence feel possible and sustains you in the work. My time at the studio was a gift.” — M. Yassine
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.
Location & Travel
The Studio of Jonathan Sherman is easily reached from surrounding North Shore towns, Boston, Cambridge and the greater Boston area. 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 be glad to help you.
The Studio of Jonathan Sherman, 112 Washington Street, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945
2026 Workshop Schedule, Tuition & Registration
DATES
Students may choose which session/s they would like to register for.
SESSION 1
July 13 — July 24, 2026
SESSION 2
July 27 — August 7, 2026
SESSION 1 + 2
July 13 — August 7, 2026
Students may choose their preferred time of day for study — mornings, afternoons or the full day. 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.
Mondays – Fridays
Mornings: 9am – 12pm
Afternoons: 1pm – 4pm
SESSION 1 or 2 TUITION
TUITION
Mornings: $1,000
Afternoons: $1,000
Full day: $1,500
SESSION 1 + 2 TUITION
Mornings: $2,000
Afternoons: $2,000
Full day: $3,000