Expressive Still Life | Daniel Shadbolt
The best painting lessons
don’t always look like lessons
Made for painters, this beautifully observed film follows Daniel Shadbolt through the creation of a single floral still life, while revealing the influences, experiences and humour that have shaped the artist behind it. It's a rare chance to witness a lifetime of looking and making at work - and to discover new possibilities for your own painting. Watch as Daniel thinks his way through a painting, from the first mark to the final, agonising decision to stop.
“I learnt more from this one film than I did from years at art school.”
- Simon Renshaw
Painting Insights Podcast
The experience
"It’s like a week-long, one-to-one workshop at a fraction of the price" - Tom Croft
Filmed in stunning cinematic detail, Expressive Still Life captures both the physical beauty and uncertainty of painting: the drag of a brush through wet colour, the scraping back of a mark, the continual looking, questioning and changing of mind.
Flowers are moved. Colours are pushed and pulled. Whole areas are painted, disrupted and reconsidered as Daniel searches for something that feels alive.
Meet Daniel Shadbolt
Daniel Shadbolt has spent the better part of three decades doing one thing seriously – looking, and then painting what he sees.
He studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design, before going on to The Drawing Year at The Royal Drawing School.
For the last two decades he has taught painting at The Heatherley School of Fine Art, and is an elected member of the New English Art Club.
Daniel's Work
What you might take back to your own painting
Lessons emerge naturally as Daniel works...
Seeing beyond the object
Learn to think in terms of colour relationships, shapes and tones, rather than simply painting what things look like.
Making colour work harder
Discover how subtle shifts in colour, contrast and saturation can create depth, space and movement.
Finding your way through a difficult painting
Watch Daniel recognise problems, experiment with solutions and change direction when something isn't working.
Keeping the painting alive
See how removing paint, disrupting marks and varying brushwork can create movement and energy.
Knowing what to leave out
Explore the editing process, from simplifying a composition to judging whether another mark is really necessary.
These aren't lessons delivered in a series of demonstrations. They emerge naturally as Daniel thinks aloud, experiments and works his way through the painting.
There's plenty here to take back to your own practice, whatever your subject or style.
What's included in your purchase
- The complete 48-minute film - watch Daniel's painting process unfold from beginning to end.
- Unlimited viewing - return to the film whenever you like.
- Artist's Notes written by Daniel - further insight into his process, palette, techniques and materials.
- The full film transcript - organised by scene and key insights so you can easily revisit particular moments.
Daniel shares in the revenue from his film, so every purchase
supports both the artist and independent filmmaking.
To purchase the film you'll first be asked to create a free account,
giving you secure access to your film whenever you want to watch it.
One-off purchase | No subscription
Includes the film, Artist's Notes and full transcript.
What painters are saying about
Expressive Still Life...
"So happy I purchased the Behind the Easel film.
I love how it brings together so many technical and perceptual
insights in a very organic and visually delightful way.
It'll be a wonderful studio companion when motivation is shaky.
Just a really beautiful and useful production."
- Dahvi N
“High-end documentaries with learning embedded.
To be able to watch over the shoulder of world-class artists, hear their thoughts and watch every mark is a completely new and unique opportunity. It’s like a week-long, one-to-one workshop at a fraction of the price, beautifully shot, with the added bonus of being able to return to it again and again. Exceptional value - and knowing you’re supporting the artists in the process feels only correct and really positive."
- Tom Croft
Portrait Artist
"Behind the Easel is doing something really special and unique.
The films are something you'll want to watch more than once. It's a feast for the eyes and will make any artist want to go wet a brush. It is so beautifully done that 30 seconds in I said to myself “oh man, this is going to be good!”. Daniel's film was not only visually beautiful in the way it was filmed but he does a great job of thinking out loud and giving great insights through the whole film.
You feel like you're in the room with him peering over his shoulder listening to his
thoughts step by step as he considers every brush stroke."
- Sandi Hester
"I learnt more from this one film than I did from years at art school.
This film is a true depiction of the alchemy involved in the creation of art. There is conversation about tools, techniques, pigment and shape, which is interspersed with moments of contemplation and stillness. Daniel Shadbolt is a master of mid tones and to see his process was truly fascinating. From the subject matter and composition, to the colour palette and internal monologue, we get to see every aspect of the painting being created. Nicola Tremain brings us a thoughtful and
wonderfully paced film, which is beautifully shot by Pete Allibone.
- Simon Renshaw
Painting Insights Podcast
"This is no ordinary film about painting.
From the very first moments, my heart was pulled in by the beautiful cinematography. I was enthralled by Daniel Shadbolt’s charming discussion of his observationally based painting technique and the intentional thinking behind it. It was a Master class artfully packaged in Directors Nicola Tremain and Pete Allibone’s inspiring vision."
- Suzanne Lago Arthur,
Host of the Creative Contemplation Podcast
“I know I’ll be returning to this film again and again.
While it certainly offered practical ideas, it went much deeper than that.
It gave real insight into Daniel’s thoughts, decisions, and approach to both this
particular painting and painting in general. The film beautifully captures Daniel’s intentional
mark making in action. It’s insightful, inspiring, and simply a beautiful piece to watch.”
- Michael Wurm Jr.,
Inspired by Charm
"What an insightful film, beautifully shot,
And a privilege to listen to Dan talk so clearly about his approach to painting. His mark making and colour harmony is a joy to witness and he talks so well about the influence of earlier artists too. A really lovely film. I shall enjoy watching it again."
- Sarah Spackman
"The camera movements, atmosphere & lighting are just delicious!
It really explains mark-making in painting in a very brave and tasteful, clear and intelligent way. Very inspiring."
- Rogier Willems
"A really enjoyable watch!
Have just watched this very beautifully produced film. A great project attempting to record painting in real time.
So interesting to hear Daniel’s observations as he paints."
- Miriam Escofet
Royal Society of Portrait Painters
To purchase the film you'll first be asked to create a free account,
giving you secure access to your film whenever you want to watch it.
One-off purchase | No subscription
Includes the film, Artist's Notes and full transcript.
