The Art of Still Life: A Contemporary Guide to Classical Techniques, Composition, and Painting in Oil Hardcover – 18 Feb. 2020

An exemplary handbook for the experienced student who wishes to take their study of still life to a high level.This is not a beginner's “how to book” so don't expect this to just provide a series of demonstrations – there is however, one very detailed demonstration in the final chapter that covers the author's process from beginning to end in setting up, making studies, refining the composition and eventually working on and completing a painting with in-depth commentary on his progress – quite an exceptional section of what is an already remarkable volume.Casey offers a very comprehensive guide based on the French classical tradition of painting, dealing with a whole range of topics - materials, setting up, lighting, applying basic techniques, etc., and suggested exercises. The book is filled with high quality reproductions of master paintings – past and contemporary; just studying the pictures alone is instructive.This is certainly one of the best books on a dedicated subject I`ve been lucky enough to acquire; even though my own painting approach is different, this is a hugely inspirational volume packed with nuggets of practical advice and some quite technically detailed information on colour, light and visual analysis.I`ll certainly be recommending this to my more advanced students – I have already benefited from studying it myself.Buy it if you are a serious oil painter – one can only gain from it.

The quality of book itself. The quality of information and inspiration from author is just great. I was delighted with this book! Would recommend. Quality photos and colour , lives up to its Title. Very happy to receive this guide to oil painting .

So impressed. Besides being a beautiful book high quality printing, like a coffee table book, the content is superb. So instructive, so well laid out with diagrams, drawings, images of Todd's own amazing paintings but also those of the worlds best ever still life artists.His instruction is clear, concise containing just about everything.This is definitely well within my top 10 ever art instruction books.

So glad I bought this book. Beautiful and well written, with detailed advice on all stages of how the artist creates his still life paintings. I also own Carol Marine’s book Daily Painting which is a good entry level book but this has more detail and is a lovely thing in itself.

This is by far the best book on the process of painting still life (as opposed to the history of the subject) that I have ever seen, and I've seen plenty. The content is very comprehensive, covering all matters that could be relevant to any painter wishing to develop their work (and applicable to any subject matter too, not only still life). The product quality is also excellent; this is a large book with many very high standard images of paintings and drawings and illustrations to accompany the text. I am very pleased with my purchase of this truly inspiring book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about painting or to improve their painting process (it's definitely not just a book for beginners, I'm sure most experienced painters would also find it very useful and stimulating).

Really beautiful book which is full of advice on techniques and much more. Big heavy book but very glad I bought it. Really well thought out and so well presented with great photography, diagrams. Fab!

Needed to learn more about doing still lifes. Brilliant book. Extremely informative. Have been concentrating on coloured pencil art for over 25 years. this book would help anyone using any art materials, not just oil paint. Cannot recommend it highly enough. Have many art books, but this one is the best.

If you want to create accurate and “traditional” still life painting this is the book for you. Takes you through colour theory, information on kit, guides to lighting and setting up a still life etc. With an excellent chapter at the end that takes you through the whole process from start to finish. Don’t get this book if you want free expression! Otherwise I would definitely recommend it.