Light, form and texture are the essences of still life painting. Whatever the subject matter, an individual artist’s preferred combination of these elements will bring out the highlights and shapes of each part of the finished work in a unique way.
Freelance illustrator Abigail Harris is passionate about producing highly detailed watercolour food illustrations. In this one-off workshop she’ll be sharing some of her techniques as she helps students to work with watercolour and other media of their choice to create an image of an Aperol Spritz cocktail.
Harris wants to create a relaxed environment and by the end of the workshop, students will have completed their own still life painting. “The workshop will be all about having fun and experimenting with mixed media,” she explains. “Students will all work from the same still-life photograph. They will be able to choose if they would like to illustrate a section of it or the whole thing.”
“The workshop will be all about having fun and experimenting with mixed media”
Harris will talk about composing a still life scene, and will also pass on her own techniques about working with watercolour, crayon, ink and pencil, although she encourages students to use any medium they fancy, and to think outside the box. “I always love sharing how I create realistic food illustrations, which I will be doing with this workshop,” she says. “I am also excited about encouraging students to get out of their comfort zone and create work differently. It helps develop a style and stops you from getting bored!”
In her own practice, Harris uses realistic styles to create her watercolour food illustrations. She will utilise this experience during the workshop. “I have drawn upon the way I work and the techniques I use to teach students how to use watercolour in a controlled way,” she says, “and [to teach] how to add coloured pencil details and definition on top!”
“I am excited about encouraging students to get out of their comfort zone. It helps develop a style and stops you from getting bored!”
Harris believes that passion, determination and patience are key qualities in forging a successful career in the art world. “Keep going!” she advises potential artists. “Work on your portfolio, be consistent, use social media to connect with people and do what you love. It shows!”
Find out more about the online Aperol Spritz illustration with watercolour workshop here as well as the many others on offer at Elephant Academy.
