Michael Weller – Inspired by the Humble Studio Still Lifes of Richard Diebenkorn (Online); Tuesdays, October 6-20, 2026

Supply List

Mediums: All mediums welcome – Michael will work in oil
Level: All
Class Dates: Tuesdays, October 6-20, 2026
Class Times:
• 9:30 am-noon Pacific Time
• 12:30 pm-3:00 pm Eastern Time
• 5:30 pm-8:00 pm UK Time

This three-week painting class takes inspiration from the still lifes of Richard Diebenkorn, exploring the space between observation and abstraction. Diebenkorn’s paintings show how everyday objects can become sophisticated arrangements of shape, colour, space and light. It is this interplay between abstraction and representation that has long drawn Michael Weller to Diebenkorn’s work, and which has also been central to his own approach to painting.

The class will focus on looking down at overlapping studio objects and paying attention not only to the objects themselves, but to the spaces and shapes between and around them. Students will explore some of Diebenkorn’s recurring subjects, from a tomato and knife to a newspaper or the humble objects found around a studio.

Michael will encourage students to shift and simplify their subject matter, experimenting with objects as arrangements of shapes and colours rather than simply depicting them. He will give painting demonstrations and discuss his approach to organising shapes, simplifying lines and mixing colour.

The aim is not to paint like Diebenkorn—or like Michael—but to learn from his way of seeing and apply those ideas to each student’s own work. The class offers an opportunity to explore observation, abstraction and composition while finding something compelling in the most ordinary subjects.