FREE STILL LIFE DEMO
with Leah Lopez

Saturday – December 17th – 2pm to 5pm

at New York Academy of Art
111 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013
(212) 966-0300 x968

Leah Lopez, Painter and NYAA Continuing Education Instructor will demonstrates her approach to Painting the Still Life.

If painting is telling a visual story then, in Still Life the shapes, lights, darks, colors, and the objects themselves make up a composition, as a cast of characters make up a single harmonious story. Each character takes a certain role that supports the plot and so holds a story together. Similarly, Leah’s painting process begins as a story, with a concept designed to promote the natural composition of visual relationships. Her objective is to paint the stimulating first impression in a direct, concise manner to emphasize the visual drama. As stories and paintings unfold, characters can take on dimension with the subtle seasoning of duality or complimentary elements so making them even more real and interesting to the story.

You’ll get a glimpse of Leah’s painting and teaching techniques and learn of upcoming classes and workshops.

Over the last 12 years, Leah has refined a teaching style that educates a student, at any level, to become an observer of life, to understand composition, and equips them with tools, techniques, and the flexibility to resolve artistic challenges regardless of the situation.

Friday, January 6, 2012 at 9:00pm until Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 7:00am

Ten hours of drawing, demos, music, pool, cash bar, pizza, prizes and more!
Draw all night and stay for a delicious breakfast in the morning.
Hosted by the Junior and Scholarship Members of the Salmagundi Club.
Entry $20.
email scny.draw.a.thon@gmail.com for more information.

NEXT MINI-WORKSHOP: June 17, 2011, 10am

Location: email me leah@leahlopez.com and I will send you our meeting point!

NOTE: If at any time the weather is sketchy and you think I might cancel, just check back here or in the Facebook group. I will post any cancellations or postponements immediately. In any case, if the weather is bad the best thing to do is to stay in.

Location: Central Park, meet at Bethesda Terrace, use 72nd Street entrances MAP

Final Preparations

Materials List

I found it helpful to keep a pocket note pad when I'm out, to jot down locations and the time of day when the light looks interesting. Also, snapping a photo with my phone is a helpful reminder.

Getting ready

I just got a new easel (friend recommended) and I love it! It's Artwork Essentials EASyL-Lite www.artworkessentials.com
If you are still looking for an easel, I recommed something functional and sturdy but lightweight
or, if you love your french easel find a way to tote it on wheels.

You'd like to share your favorites or recommendations? Wonderful! Join my "Let's PAINT THE TOWN" Group on There you can:
1. See where I'll be painting through the summer and fall so you can come too.
2. Post, comment and read about easels, supplies, locals and all things plein air.
3. Have a blast painting the city and share pictures from the outings.

Interested? Here's what you do:

1) Join my Let's PAINT THE TOWN group on
Or, return here to follow the next
date, time, locations, and other helpful information.

2) Acquire supplies, easel, etc. I'll post recommendations and
if you're on Facebook you can share ideas and read other's.

3) Pack up your goodies and let's go paint!