Stop staring at blank canvas and start painting. With Craig Nelson's simple method for still life, you'll overcome your hesitation and kick start your career in oil.

You'll develop foundation skills, create a path for improvement, and even save money at the art store.

You'll build an affordable kit as Craig walks you through essential materials and navigates the pitfalls of store displays.

You'll learn to paint vibrant scenes with only four colors and four brushes. This simplified palette lets you focus as you learn to think like an experienced painter. You'll spot the important shapes, shadows, and highlights and learn to fit them all in your composition.

Each step builds on the previous one, so you constantly refine your skills. You'll set a comfortable pace for your continuing journey in oil. As Craig says, "Start simple, get good, and then worry about jumping to that next level."

CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG NELSON
In this relaxed, candid conversation with Craig Nelson we asked him questions we thought you would most like to ask if you could have dinner with an artist.

After graduating from Art Center College of Design with distinction, Craig began his career working in Los Angeles for recording companies and motion picture studios, creating portraits and other subjects with strict deadlines. Craig's countless movie posters include "The Cowboys", "Slapshot", and "Homeward Bound" among many others. His album cover credits include, "Sammy Davis Jr. Live", "Rick Nelson, Country" and "Natalie Cole, Thankful" along with many more.

Collectors include, James Garner, Neil Simon, Toyota Corporation, UCLA Dental and Law School, the U.S. Air Force, UCSF Dental School and many more. He has won over 200 awards of excellence and several gold medals. The "Arts for the Parks" national competition awarded Craig the Grand Teton Natural History Award for a painting entitled "Dining Alone". His work is collected in the United States, Asia as well as Europe.