Still Life, As a Way to Compose with Iona Ellsworth

Still Life, As a Way to Compose with Iona Ellsworth

Workshop | Available

11/7/2026 (one day)
9:00 AM-4:00 PM CDT on Sat
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$110.00

Still Life, As a Way to Compose with Iona Ellsworth

Workshop | Available

This one day, introductory workshop will focus on using the still life genre as a means of learning to compose artistically. We will think about how to create cohesive yet dynamic arrangements while exploring narrative threads. We will discuss common “types” of compositions and investigate their possible combinations and variations, as well as covering the meaning behind concepts like distribution, interchange, and rhythm, among others.


The first hour of the class will be spent analyzing what makes a strong composition. We will deconstruct a few masterworks and go over different flexible conventions and frameworks. 


The remainder of the morning will be dedicated to creating several small poster studies of different compositions using a variety of objects. I encourage students to try out many different arrangements, focusing on creating unity with line, tone and color.


After lunch, I will help students select one, strong composition and they will have the remainder of the afternoon to begin their painting. The goal is not necessarily to finish the painting, but to learn how to scale a poster study up and to keep the "whole" working together, even as they render objects individually. 


Students should have some experience and familiarity with drawing and painting in oil.

    • Canvas paper pad or sketchbook, at least 11 x 14
      These are for creating small poster studies. Use canvas paper if you’d like to make your poster studies in paint, and a sketchbook if you prefer to draw. Canson has a good line of canvas paper pads.

    • 8 x 10 canvas, panel, or loose linen/canvas sheet for your final composition
      Whatever surface you are comfortable with. I like the centurion brand for both rigid panels and loose linen sheets.

    • A combination of bristle and soft natural hair brushes
      Bring what you usually use and are comfortable with. I recommend having at least one smaller stiff brush that holds a decent point for drawing.

    • Oil paint
      I recommend a somewhat limited palette of: ivory black, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, alizarin crimson or quinacridone red, cadmium red medium, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow light and titanium or lead white. Any brand is ok, however I recommend investing in artist’s grade.

    • Palette cups with gamsol and linseed oil

    • Palette
      Whatever you are comfortable using. I use a handheld wooden palette from @traditional.palette.co. I recommend a glass or wooden palette with plenty of mixing room over disposable paper palettes.

    • 2H, H and HB pencils, kneaded eraser, pen eraser, pencil sharpener or knife and sandpaper

    • Ruler or t-square for measuring out a 4:5 aspect ratio for your poster studies

    • Paper towels (I like viva or blue shop towels)

    • Blue tape

    • Objects to paint
      Objects of different size, color, shape, material, texture and classification. Since this is only a one day workshop, try to keep your objects simple but interesting. If you have a narrative in mind, try to bring one or two objects that support that narrative. Some ideas include: fruit, vegetables, bread, kitchen utensils, books, paper items, etc. Avoid overly complex items, or items made of glass. Consider bringing different color cloths to experiment with your background colors.

    • Mahl stick (optional)

    • Gloves (optional)


    If you have any questions about the class or materials list, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ionaellsworth@gmail.com

Ellsworth, Iona
Iona Ellsworth

Iona Ellsworth was born in 1998 and grew up in New Mexico. After graduating from Colorado College with a degree in English Literature, she decided to pursue oil painting and obtained a post-baccalaureate certificate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While studying at SAIC, Iona realized her main interest is in learning the craft of classical realism. This led Iona to continue her studies with a mix of online and in person instruction, developing a strong understanding of the principles of light, form and composition. Iona has supplemented her training in Chicago with workshops at ateliers like Grand Central Atelier and the Florence Academy of Art. In 2026, Iona was featured on the Jackson’s International Art Prize shortlist for her painting, “Writing Back.” In 2026, Iona was also part of a two person exhibition at the Bridgeview Public Library, and organized the Palette & Chisel Emerging Artists Show.