Emma Copley – Painting a Still Life and Seeing Colour
Artist Educator, Emma Copley demonstrates in this beautifully illustrated resource, a step-by-step method for producing a painting of a shell, or similar object, in gouache.
This project was shared with AccessArt as part of the 40 Artist Educator Project, funded by Arts Council England, aiming to highlight and celebrate artist-led teaching and facilitation.
Seeing and Painting a Shell by Emma Copley
These instructions are for painting a picture of a shell in gouache*, however you can use any object that is limited in colour, an egg or a mushroom would also work. The techniques taught in this resource can be adapted to any learner age and ability, as well as any painting medium.
I have developed this method over many years and use it to create many of my own paintings; especially of trompe l’oeil objects. I have delivered this painting method in many of my adult education classes with great results. My students have enjoyed the simple exercises that lead up to the painting and always come away with a new view of how to get started with their own work. You will begin to understand how to find colour in objects that seemingly don’t have any, how to work in a limited palette and how to inject your own personality into those choices.
*A form of opaque watercolour.
To access all content, I would like to join as…
An Individual
An Organisation...
AccessArt is a UK Charity and we believe everyone has the right to be creative. AccessArt provides inspiration to help us all reach our creative potential.
Cambridge painter
October 15, 2014 @ 2:56 pm
Fantastic lesson. I can also confirm from experience that Emma’s private lessons are super helpful and illuminating. They personally aided me in greatly improving my artistic skills – especially with regards to portraiture.
Owen
October 15, 2014 @ 4:17 pm
What a great lesson! I will be using this with my art and design students as a great way of using colour… drawing what you feel and doing rubbings of the textures are great ideas for learning about your subject.
Jackie
October 15, 2014 @ 7:34 pm
I am a complete beginner. Having just read your lesson I am so excited and inspired by your beautiful painting that I intend to make this my next project. I hope I do you justice. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
Sheila, (doctor)
October 16, 2014 @ 10:10 am
What a super lesson! I images are so cool.
I know from experience what a great teacher you are. Even I have managed to produce some drawings and I must say how incredibly relaxing the whole process is , even if I don’t win the Turner prize (this year) !!!!!!
I adore the shell, would love to see some more!
Barbara Via
October 16, 2014 @ 2:48 pm
Emma,
your lesson is clear and so creative! Very helpful. I will definitely try to paint a shell following your technique.
Koren
October 17, 2014 @ 1:59 am
Great lesson. I really love the idea of the rubbing- what a great and effective technique and study for a trompe l’oeil painting!
Sara
October 22, 2014 @ 2:31 pm
Cool!
I would love to take a class with you. Hopefully I could learn to draw too, can I take one of my kids along?
Great website, love the colour samples.
Sara