About the Workshop
My curriculum is a combination of demonstrations, quick fun exercises, and plenty of supported student work time. My goal for this year at CAC is to foster a relaxed, creative tmosphere with just enough guidance and inspiration for students to feel free to problem solve on their own during at least part of each day. Critiques and group reviews of a day's painting are a big part of my classes, and the final art exhibit of the week is sure to be a highlight for all.
About Sarah Sedwick
Sarah Sedwick is an oil painter whose contemporary still lifes celebrate the beauty of the everyday, inspired by color combinations, energetic brushwork, and dynamic composition. Working in a style she calls Loose Realism, her paintings explore the undercurrents of meaning we impart to the objects around us - whether through personal symbolism or the evocative power of memory. Sarah has lived in Eugene, Oregon since 2007. In 2001, she earned a BFA from The Maryland Institute, College of Art. A passionate teacher, she conducts workshops on still life painting in oils, as well as an Online Art Mentorship program, working intensively with students all over the world. She is the author of the book Dynamic Still Life for Artists
Learn more at:
Instructor will provide:
I will bring some lovely paint samples from M. Graham for the students to try out. These will be in addition to the materials list.
What students should bring:
Painting the Dynamic Still Life - Materials:
● Palette - New Wave 11x16” white pad disposable palette, or similar
● Palette knife – not a teeny one. You want to be able to scoop up a pile of
paint with it. I like the RGM softgrip no. 45 (blue handle)
● Rags or paper towels (blue shop towels are the best!)
● Solvent: Gamsol
● Medium: walnut oil or Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel
● Can, jar, or other container for solvent
● Paint - I use M. Graham brand. Here is my split-primary palette.
Substitutions are ok!
○ Titanium white
○ Alizarin Crimson,
○ Cadmium red (medium or light)
○ Ultramarine Blue
○ Pthalo blue or Viridian
○ Cadmium yellow (medium)
○ Hansa yellow
○ Ivory black
Optional colors: yellow ochre, dioxazine purple
Viewfinder - I like the ViewCatcher by The Color Wheel brand.
● Brushes - I use Princeton Aspen flats, but please use what you’re
comfortable with. A good starter kit is a #2 round and a #6 flat.
• Canvases or other painting surfaces:
o A pad of canvas sheets, canvas paper, or Arches oil paper (recommended)
o Both a square canvas and a rectangular canvas or panel - any size you’d
like to work on for about 3 hours. You’ll need at least 2 total. 8x8, 10x10,
8x10, 9x12 or larger. I use Raymar 23SC canvas panels.
o Bringing a couple of extra canvases can be helpful.
• Easel and side table A standing travel easel. (A french easel or plein air easel)
*Studios will have easels for student use, but bring your own if you prefer.
• Pencil, sketchbook, black sharpie, masking tape, optional baby wipes
To view these products, and more of my favorites, visit my Amazon storefront: https://
www.amazon.com/shop/sedwickstudio (click on book cover image to see full list.)