Oil Painting from Life
Oil Painting from Life
Date and Time: Six consecutive Saturdays: August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17 & September 24, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Jem Atwater
Cost: $250 for all six sessions
Painting From Life is a six-week course that explores the techniques and principles of painting still life in oils using direct observation. Students will learn how to sketch, compose, mix color, and create expressive oil paintings from carefully arranged still life setups illuminated by a single light source. Throughout the course, students will develop a stronger understanding of form, value, color, and light while building confidence in painting.
This is a six-part course that will be taught on six consecutive Saturdays: August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17 & September 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
This course is for ages 16 and over. The cost of the six-part course is $250 per person. All skill levels are welcome and all materials are provided. Preregistration is required and space is limited. The course will be held inside the Cole Creativity Center located at 123 N 10th St, Santa Paula, CA. Free parking is available directly behind the building and students may enter through the front or back door.
Questions? Please call the Museum at (805) 525-5554 ext. 104 or email creativity@santapaulaartmuseum.org.
About Our Teaching Artist:
An LA native, Jem Atwater completed her BFA at Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2019. She has explored many styles including surrealism, abstraction, landscape, figurative painting, and pet portraits in the traditional mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphite, charcoal, and gouache. Jem has been teaching painting and sculpting for both kids and adults across Ventura County for the past 5 years. Her current work could be found on her Instagram account: @jemfarts
Student Testimonials:
““Jem is a fabulous teacher, and the class was a lot of fun. She knows how to bring out artistic talent in ordinary people.””
““Jem definitely lives up to her name! She is an absolute gem and a wonderful teacher. I’m so happy to have taken this class. I learned so much. I could the progression in my skills from the beginning to the end of the classes. Thank you for the amazing course offerings and superb teachers!””
If this course is SOLD OUT, please click here to join our waitlist. You will be notified if a spot opens up or if this course is offered again in the future.