LEVEL 5 : EXPLORING GENRE
PART A : STILL LIFE
Still Life is a genre with a long and rich history, stretching back thousands of years. Some of the earliest examples can be found in Egyptian funerary art and Greco-Roman mosaics and frescoes—demonstrating that the impulse to depict everyday objects has deep cultural roots.
In this course, you will embark on a journey through the evolution of Still Life, exploring how artists across time have celebrated, elevated, and reimagined ordinary subjects. Our theoretical investigations will examine the work of Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Northern Renaissance, Baroque, Modernist, and Contemporary Still Life artists, uncovering the symbolic meanings and stylistic innovations that define each period.
Alongside this rich historical context, you will develop practical skills to interpret, design, and create your own Still Life mosaic with confidence and creativity.
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Understanding the genre of Still Life and its significance in art history and mosaic practice
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Interpreting the painted image as a reference for mosaic translation
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Identifying and applying comparative values to establish contrast and visual interest
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Understanding and applying principles of volume and perspective to create dimensionality
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Exploring different approaches to andamento based on the unique attributes of each subject
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Developing a cohesive palette for multiple objects within the same composition
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Applying knowledge of hue, value, and chroma to achieve depth, shadow, and realism
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Studying light fall-off and how it influences form and atmosphere in Still Life
Course Delivery
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Four live online lessons (2.5 hours each)
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Supporting study and resources provided through the Level 5 LearnDash Classroom
- Written feedback is supplied through the class Padlet and general feedback through the live lesson
The images in the slide show above originate from a bespoke Level 5, Still Life workshop
Andamento to Olley – Observe, Draw, Compose, Mosaic
presented at Villa Rustica, Byron Bay in Nov 2025.
This event commenced with a visit to the Margaret Olley Art Centre at Tweed Regional Gallery to observe and discuss the composition and colour techniques of Margaret Olley, before returning to Villa Rustica for a Still Life Drawing Class. Students observed real Still Lifes inspired by Olley’s Compositions.
Students then learnt to develop compositions based on their own drawings, develop a colour palette and then create their mosaic.
Intermediate Levels 4, 5, 6 & 7 are offerred Live Online based on expressions of interest from eligible and interested students.
