The Art of Still Life: A Contemporary Guide to Classical Techniques, Composition, and Painting in Oil [Hardcover]

A must-have reference book for today's artists and art students.

Every artist needs to learn and master the still life. Written by a well-known artist and expert instructor, The Art of Still Life offers a comprehensive, contemporary approach to the subject that instructs artists on the foundation basics and advanced techniques they need for successful drawing and painting. In addition to Casey's stunning paintings, the work of over fifty past and present masters is included, so that the book will do double duty as a hardworking how-to manual and a visual treasure trove of some of the finest still life art throughout history and being created today.It is rare for an art book to combine history, theory, and practice in one volume, but this book really delivers.

Painting inanimate objects under controlled conditions has always served as a laboratory for artists to study the behavior of light and form. As a laboratory of learning for art students, still life setups are a regular part of atelier practice. Students arrange objects under fixed lights and capture as perfect an illusion as possible.

After an introduction that tells his personal story, Casey shares his knowledge about oil painting in a series of clear-headed explanations, demonstrations, and exercises. The book covers materials for drawing and painting, principles of composition, light and shadow, drawing procedure, color theory, modeling of form, and paint technique.

It ends with a practical step-by-step guide that walks you through all the decisions you'll need to make as you execute a painting from start to finish. The coverage would be helpful for any artist, beginner or advanced, and whether or not they specialize in still life. 

James Gurney, Gurney Journey