Still Life Oil Painting with JR Newton

Join us for a 4.5-hour hands-on workshop led by renowned painter JR Newton, hosted inside Micak Contemporary Art Gallery's main exhibition space.

In this session, participants will explore the fundamentals of oil painting through the timeless subject of still life.

Throughout the workshop, Newton will share insights and expertise from his own acclaimed practice, offering both technical instruction and personal guidance to help you bring your still life painting alive!

You’ll learn key techniques—such as composition, underpainting, layering, and brushwork—while developing an eye for colour harmony and light. Students will be given an image to work from alongside live objects to achieve the goals of the workshop.

Held in the inspiring setting of Micak Gallery, this workshop will take place right inside of the current exhibition offering a unique opportunity to create surrounded by contemporary art.

Students will be taught basics underpainting using egg tempera and acrylic to assist in achieving the best painting outcome with the fastest drying time. The painting will be primarily done in oil paint.

All materials including are provided as part of the workshop fee: Oil paints, brushes, canvases, easels, and additional paint for underpainting. Participants are welcome to bring along any paints or brushes they prefer to work with, though it is not required. We suggest you wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on!

Whether you’re new to oils or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave this workshop with a completed still life painting and practical techniques to carry into your own creative practice.

This workshop is best suited for ages 16+. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop schedule:

9:45am- Participants arrive at Micak Gallery

10:00am- Class starts. JR Newton introduces himself and his practice, and explains class outcomes

10:10am- Drawing exercise

10:20am- Lesson in oil painting basics

10:30am- Begin still life painting

12:30pm- Break

12:45pm- Return to class, continue painting

2:45pm- Final touches

3:00pm- Workshop ends

Materials Supplied by in workshop fee:

-Paint: Oil (8 colours), tempera, acrylic

-Brushes

-Newsprint paper for sketching

-Canvas 10 x 10”

-Additional supplies

About JR Newton: The skillful paintings of JR Newton appear as though they have stepped out of art history, embodying the refined techniques of the Old Masters of the Renaissance.

Trained at OCAD University and the Academy of Realist Art (Toronto), Newton demonstrates a deep understanding of complex techniques, expertly commanding these skills to create sophisticated and striking images. Influenced by the 'Old Masters,' his paintings are characterized by meticulous realism, employing traditional methods such as glazing, colour underpainting, dramatic contrast, and rich textures.

​As a visual storyteller, Newton’s paintings function as poetic and allegorical works, inviting viewers into another reality—whether through the glorification of nature, the elevation of inanimate objects, or the creation of dreamlike worlds born from the artist’s imagination.

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Newton’s practice includes private commissions, where he works closely with clients to bring their artistic visions to life. His past commissions range from portraits, landscapes, and murals to mythological scenes, tattoo design, art restoration, and, most recently, a series of biblical narratives.

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Newton’s oil paintings and portraits are held in public and private collections worldwide, a testament to his enduring career and commitment to producing exceptional, high-caliber artwork. He lives and works in Barrie, ON, with his wife and four children.

See more of JR Newton’s work at: https://www.micakgallery.com/jr-newton