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The Art of Still Life: A Contemporary Guide to Classical Techniques, Composition, and Painting in Oil
A must-have reference book for today's artists and art students. Every artist needs to learn and master the still life. Written by a well-known artist and expert instructor, The Art of Still Life offers a comprehensive, contemporary approach to the subject that instructs artists on the foundation basics and advanced techniques they need for successful drawing and painting. In addition to Casey's stunning paintings, the work of over fifty past and present masters is included, so that the book will do double duty as a hardworking how-to manual and a visual treasure trove of some of the finest still life art throughout history and being created today.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2020
19 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Todd M. Casey
3 books8 followersTodd M. Casey was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts. His artistic education includes a BFA in Communication Design from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Massachusetts.
After receiving his degree in 2001, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a Graphic Designer. He then moved to San Francisco to pursue a Masters in Animation at the Academy of Art. While taking the foundation classes for his MFA, he found a true passion in painting, and returned to New York City to the studio of Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier and began his classical painting training in 2007. In 2010, he finished his studies and began teaching at the Guild Atelier in Brooklyn, New York.
Being raised in Massachusetts was most influential for Casey, as he loves history, and Colonial culture. He is inspired by the richness of vintage objects in historical cities, and enjoys incorporating antiquated narrative into his paintings. He also finds inspiration throughout his travels, and paints the myriad items he collects.
Casey’s work, touches on more than simplistic, rigid realism. There is a haunting, nearly literary quality to each frame. A feeling that subjects are viewed from behind rain-kissed, mottled glass; burnished by enigmatic candlelight— or brushed by the soft, hazy edges of a half-remembered dream. Works that are classically styled, but progressive in approach— fine, somber details, rendered with a clear, meticulous eye; and yet, somehow, subdued with a gentle, melancholic focus.
There is a definite purity to Casey’s paintings; the order and function of classical realist art— but equally, a plush, sentimental homage to emotive recollection. Casey paints images that are not constrained by the details of each subject’s frame; rather they emerge from their housing, passionate, contemplative, reverent, or regretful. Make no mistake, Casey’s work is more than line and brush stroke. It is a colorful tour through the very powerful emotions, surging through one man’s mind.
Drawing inspiration from classical art, historical literature, and personal experience; Casey imbues each piece with a love of both pragmatic, corporeal form, and storied, intentional function. That is to say, every painting has a tale to tell; whether emergent from the viewer’s own perception, or brewed from the very deep well of introspective thought, the artist inculcates with each brush stroke. Subtlety, refined grace, meditation, and honesty— are the hallmarks of Todd Casey’s aesthetic.
His paintings have been honored with awards, several times in recent years. Most recently, he won first place 2 years in a row in the Portrait Society of America Members Only Competition, and first place in oil painting from the Allied Artists of America, in 2015. His work can be found in collections throughout the United States; and exclusively on the East Coast, at Rehs Contemporary Gallery, in Midtown New York City.
Casey lives in New York, with his wife, Gina. When he is not working in his home studio, or preparing for gallery events, he reads Joseph Cambell, Paulo Coelho and Eckhardt Tolle, watches Woody Allen movies— or toils in his garden, when the weather allows.
After receiving his degree in 2001, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a Graphic Designer. He then moved to San Francisco to pursue a Masters in Animation at the Academy of Art. While taking the foundation classes for his MFA, he found a true passion in painting, and returned to New York City to the studio of Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier and began his classical painting training in 2007. In 2010, he finished his studies and began teaching at the Guild Atelier in Brooklyn, New York.
Being raised in Massachusetts was most influential for Casey, as he loves history, and Colonial culture. He is inspired by the richness of vintage objects in historical cities, and enjoys incorporating antiquated narrative into his paintings. He also finds inspiration throughout his travels, and paints the myriad items he collects.
Casey’s work, touches on more than simplistic, rigid realism. There is a haunting, nearly literary quality to each frame. A feeling that subjects are viewed from behind rain-kissed, mottled glass; burnished by enigmatic candlelight— or brushed by the soft, hazy edges of a half-remembered dream. Works that are classically styled, but progressive in approach— fine, somber details, rendered with a clear, meticulous eye; and yet, somehow, subdued with a gentle, melancholic focus.
There is a definite purity to Casey’s paintings; the order and function of classical realist art— but equally, a plush, sentimental homage to emotive recollection. Casey paints images that are not constrained by the details of each subject’s frame; rather they emerge from their housing, passionate, contemplative, reverent, or regretful. Make no mistake, Casey’s work is more than line and brush stroke. It is a colorful tour through the very powerful emotions, surging through one man’s mind.
Drawing inspiration from classical art, historical literature, and personal experience; Casey imbues each piece with a love of both pragmatic, corporeal form, and storied, intentional function. That is to say, every painting has a tale to tell; whether emergent from the viewer’s own perception, or brewed from the very deep well of introspective thought, the artist inculcates with each brush stroke. Subtlety, refined grace, meditation, and honesty— are the hallmarks of Todd Casey’s aesthetic.
His paintings have been honored with awards, several times in recent years. Most recently, he won first place 2 years in a row in the Portrait Society of America Members Only Competition, and first place in oil painting from the Allied Artists of America, in 2015. His work can be found in collections throughout the United States; and exclusively on the East Coast, at Rehs Contemporary Gallery, in Midtown New York City.
Casey lives in New York, with his wife, Gina. When he is not working in his home studio, or preparing for gallery events, he reads Joseph Cambell, Paulo Coelho and Eckhardt Tolle, watches Woody Allen movies— or toils in his garden, when the weather allows.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 18, 2020
One of the best books I have read on oil painting for still life. It is a contemporary guide which is easy to follow and filled with amazing illustrations. A must have for any artists who enjoys oil painting.
July 24, 2020
This is a brilliant painting class on paper. Whether you’re into still life painting or not, Todd Casey does a superb job of explaining the concepts of realistic painting that you might learn in several years of study at a place like the Art Students League of New York where he teaches, except with this you can take it at your own pace and experiment to understand and integrate what he’s saying. Beautifully rendered artworks from an array of still life painters make this a sumptuous art object in itself.
December 11, 2025
Before this, I didn’t quite understand the point of an art book when videos exist — wouldn’t it be easier to paint along to a video? But then I read a comment on Reddit (of course) that was saying that art books are much more clear and concise than videos which don’t have to be boiled down as much, especially since books are edited more heavily.
An easy informative read with easily reread-able for when you want a refresher! The explanations of oil painting are clear, and the art Casey chose to showcase (along with the diagrams) made the explanations even clearer. I crunched through it in one sitting, but plan on going back on Sunday and painting along with the book
An easy informative read with easily reread-able for when you want a refresher! The explanations of oil painting are clear, and the art Casey chose to showcase (along with the diagrams) made the explanations even clearer. I crunched through it in one sitting, but plan on going back on Sunday and painting along with the book
February 13, 2023
Wow! What rich, in-depth information full of examples, illustrations, demonstrations, and breathtaking paintings—not only by Todd but by various painters—to admire and learn from! Todd M. Casey strives to guide you through the concise, essential fundamentals and simultaneously shows the difference between traditional and contemporary approaches and how you can use them in your favor. He even walks you through his demonstration all the way from the set-up to the conclusion so you can get a feel for his method and perhaps learn from it. It's a well-balanced book.
I highly recommend it if you're into art, and even more if you're into oil painting! It's now one of my top favorite books in the art genre. Thank you, Todd. I'll be getting a second book soon.
I highly recommend it if you're into art, and even more if you're into oil painting! It's now one of my top favorite books in the art genre. Thank you, Todd. I'll be getting a second book soon.
October 22, 2023
Always ironic to read a how to book to learn that if you really want to do something, study under a master for many years. But we all know that. Like most art teaching books, this is really an opportunity for an artist to display their work and for readers to enjoy it and appreciate what goes into it. Casey includes many contemporary artists work alongside the old masters. The book is a visual delight and an inspiration to try ones' own still life.
January 14, 2024
The best book on. Still life I have read.Outstanding!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews