Painting From Sketches: The Modern Still Life (Mornings)

Join artist Will McGaul to this two-day workshop where students will explore the creative process of transforming sketches into thoughtful, expressive paintings. Working from observation and drawing from life, we will break down the process step-by-step, exploring how composition, value, color, and design work together to create a successful painting.

Beginning with quick gestural thumbnails, students will experiment with composition, simplify complex subjects into essential shapes, and develop a strong foundation for their paintings. Through discussions and practical exercises, we will explore Notan, chiaroscuro, and value structure, learning how light, shadow, and the relationship between positive and negative space can establish depth, balance, and visual interest.

The second day focuses on color exploration through warm and cool palettes, high-key and low-key color schemes, and the development of mood and atmosphere. Students will create color studies to discover how color choices can influence the feeling and meaning of a painting.

By the end of the workshop, each student will have developed a personal approach to planning and executing a painting, with an emphasis on strong design, simplified shapes, and expressive color. The goal is to create paintings that feel intentional, engaging, and full of character without relying on excessive detail. A list of supplies will be provided upon registration. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR 

Will McGaul has been a professional art instructor since 2011. Will has exhibited in California and Florida. He is a member of the Miami Watercolor Society and the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. Will loves to share his passion for drawing and painting in his classes and workshops, and at the same time, simplifying the process and making it fun.