Beginner Oil: Expressive Still Lifes with Aaron Souza

Aaron Souza encourages students to be bold in their experimentation and personal expression in this 6-week oil painting class. Learn to capture the beauty of everyday objects—fruits, shells, vessels, fabrics, and more—using a dynamic, highly chromatic palette adapted from the teachings of the historic Cape School of Art and artist Emile Gruppé. No previous experience is required, though familiarity with basic drawing concepts is helpful.

Through weekly demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual feedback, you will explore:

• Setting up compelling still life arrangements with strong light and shadow

• Mixing rich, harmonious colors directly on the palette and canvas

• Building form, value, and temperature relationships with confident brushwork

• Achieving fresh, impressionistic lighting effects that bring your still lifes to life

Image credit: "Tea Time", 1976, Henry Hensche, Oil on canvas, 26.75" x 30.75" x 1.25" framed. Cape Cod Museum of Art Permanent Collection.

Materials List

Aaron Souza is a Massachusetts-based oil painter focused on capturing the vibrancy of light, color, and atmosphere. His work is rooted in strong draftsmanship executed with a full chromatic palette, exploring the essence of a scene through a keen understanding of light and color. Souza's artistic vision is heavily influenced by the American Impressionists, particularly the Hawthorne/Hensche tradition, as well as by artists such as Charles Hawthorne, Emile Gruppé, and the Boston School.

Based out of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Souza creates both studio and en plein air paintings, often exploring coastal landscapes and figures. His studio development utilizes a combination of en plein air color studies and personal photographic references. An avid member of the local artist community, Aaron has shown his work in several exhibitions around the South Coast and Cape Cod. Before moving to Cape Cod, he was active in the Greater New Bedford area, completing multiple collaborative murals and organizing a critique group for local working artists. www.aaronsouzafineart.com Instagram at @aaronsouzafineart

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for refund.