Still Life: Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner

Still Life is an accessible instruction course for complete beginners to learn how to draw and paint contemporary still-life subjects.

Following a concise guide to the tools, materials and basic techniques that every beginner needs to know (including line, tone, colour, composition and perspective), there are ten tutorials showing how to draw and paint a variety of still life subjects using beginner-friendly materials, including pencil, charcoal, coloured pencils, pen and ink, watercolour paints and watercolour pencils. Each tutorial has a list of the materials and tools required, step-by-step photographs of the work, informative text and tips and strategies for getting the best results. By working through the tutorials, you will gradually develop your skills and build confidence until you feel equipped to attempt any still life. In addition to the tutorials, you’ll find three ‘focus on’ feature spreads. These pages offer more in-depth/advanced techniques appropriate to the projects.

Susie Johns is an artist and designer. She has written dozens of instructional books on a range of different topics. She studied Fine Art at Ravensbourne College, went on complete an MA at the prestigious Slade School in London, and later gained a post-graduate teaching qualification (PGCE) at the University of Greenwich.  

As well as teaching drawing and painting at a local community college, Susie has years of experience running life-drawing classes and leading workshops focussing on pen and ink, mixed media, artists’ sketchbooks, drawing for health and wellbeing, and family art. She also teaches classes online on various platforms including YouTube.