Still Life Painting in Acrylics | David Bongiorno

Unlock the vibrant world of still life painting in this immersive two-day acrylic workshop with award winning artist and instructor David Bongiorno. Designed for beginners and intermediate painters alike, this course will guide you through the essentials of composition, colour mixing and acrylic techniques—from underpainting to finishing touches.

About this workshop

Through a structured mix of demos, exercises and studio practice across two days, students will build a solid foundation in still life painting as they complete their own original work. 

Day 1: Foundations and Colour Studies

• Explore the building blocks of still life: form, light and value
• Learn key composition rules and sketch multiple thumbnails
• Mix acrylics for accurate value scales and colour harmony
• Practice essential brushwork through colour studies

Day 2: Painting Your Still Life

• Create a full still life painting from sketch to completion
• Develop depth with layering, contrast and detail refinement
• Learn how to finish and varnish your painting professionally
• Receive group and individual feedback in a supportive critique session

What will I learn?

• How to build dynamic still life compositions using shapes, lighting and space
• Colour theory and mixing techniques to bring your painting to life
• Acrylic painting methods including layering, glazing, dry brush and blending
• Confidence to approach any still life subject with clarity and creativity!

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for beginners to advanced or those that are looking for a refresher. 

What do I need to bring?

Acrylic paints

David suggests the following colours

• Titanium White
• Pyrrol Red
• Alizarin Crimson
• Ultramarine Blue
• Yellow Ochre
• Lemon Yellow
• Raw Umber
• Ivory Black
• Burnt Sienna

Brushes

• A variety of filbert brushes (“Neef” brand is good) in sizes 10, 6 and 2
• Filbert hog bristle brushes (2,6,10)

Canvas

• Canvas pad (A4 and A3 recommended)
• A4 and A5 Canvas boards

Palette

• White laminated wooden palette or plastic palette

Other

• Palette knife
• Rags
• Apron
• Pencils HB, 2B
• 5 simple objects no larger than 20cm
• Small cardboard box (40cm H x 50cm W x 40cm D)
• A3 cartridge pad
• A3 trace pad
• Varnish (gloss or satin)

What is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own cup)
• Easels, tables, chairs water containers
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

About the Artist

Award-winning artist, curator and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, painting and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. 

He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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