Painting the Alla Prima Still Life with Lizet Dingemans (March 2026)
Join tutor and alla prima artist Lizet Dingemans and learn to paint the alla prima still life over two days.
'Alla prima' literally means 'in one go'. Whether your ultimate goal is to paint portraits, figures, still lifes or landscapes, painting an alla prima still life is the perfect way to learn to handle oil paint or to improve your painting skills. This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate painters alike.
In this course, you will paint two different works using the objects and composition of your choice, using alla prima or wet-into-wet techniques. Still life is a great way to explore composition and paint handling without the distractions of a life model. It's a great way of getting creative with your own compositions!
In this two-day class, you will learn everything you need to know about oil painting (from brushes to paints, mediums, and solvents). You can expect to come away from this course with two finished paintings and a wealth of knowledge. Under Lizet’s guidance, you will gain the confidence and knowledge you need to carry on your journey as a painter.
PAST STUDENT FEEDBACK:
"Fantastic teaching! I have learnt so much. Lizet is a natural educator. Very few could both paint and teach this well" - Cath S"Outstanding tuition, studio space, lighting and facilities; great ambience and conversation." - Alexandra Veres"Excellent, friendly supportive tuition from Lizet!" - Diane Fraser
Materials List
This list is a starting point, not a strict requirement. Still life painting varies from setup to setup, so the colours you need may change. Beginners may find Daler & Rowney or Winsor & Newton good, economical brands. Most items are also available from other suppliers. If you are an intermediate painter, treat this list as a guideline, feel free to bring your preferred colours, brushes or tools.
Please also bring a selection of objects you’d like to paint. Simple, organic forms are easier than complex, patterned or highly reflective items.
Surfaces
- A few medium-sized canvas boards (any reputable brand)
Paints
- Raw Umber
- Ivory Black
- Yellow Light
- Bright Red
- Titanium White
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarin Crimson (optional)
Other materials
- A palette
- 2 x Dipper
- Palette Knife
- A range of synthetic brushes with long handles, for instance, a brush set like this
- A few Long Flat Hog Brushes
- 2 x Size 0 Synthetic Filberts
- Alternatively, this starter brush set should have everything you need
- 2 x Jam jars for keeping brushes in
- Pen and paper to take notes
- Low-odour solvent (eg Sansodor). Note that turpentine is not permitted in the studio.
- Medium (linseed or walnut oil, optional)
- Kitchen roll
ABOUT THE TUTOR:
Lizet studied Fine Art at the Angel Academy in Florence in the summer of 2011, and at the London Atelier of Representational Art (LARA) from which she graduated in 2016. Lizet lives and works in Stroud, where she is an artist and art teacher. Her work has sold in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. In 2018, she was a contestant in Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year and was nominated for Artists & Illustrators magazine ‘Artist of the Year’ in 2016. You can find out more about Lizet on her website.
How many students will there be?
There is a maximum of 12 participants, and the tutor will customise the course according to your individual needs.
Studio Access & Parking
The studio and car park open at 9:30 am each day. We kindly ask that you do not arrive before this time, as staff will be preparing the space.
We close at 5:30 pm, so please ensure you are packed up and ready to leave by then. Thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.
