Expressive Still Life

AVAILABLE NOW

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.

This is a chance to witness a lifetime of looking and making at work - and to learn from Daniel as he thinks his way through a painting, from the first mark to the final, agonising decision to stop.

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.

Along the way, Daniel reflects on his life and influences, offering a deeply personal insight into how experience shapes the way an artist sees.

Lessons emerge naturally:

how to look at colour
how to build colour relationships
how to create movement across a canvas
how to keep a painting alive
how to recognise what isn’t working
(and perhaps hardest of all) knowing when to stop!

Daniel’s reflections reveal a way of thinking about painting that reaches far beyond still life.

Daniel Shadbolt was born in Hertfordshire in 1980 and 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, completing his degree in Fine Art in 2003, before going on to The Drawing Year at The Royal Drawing School. Since 2008 he has taught painting at The Heatherley School of Fine Art, and in 2015 became an elected member of the New English Art Club.

He lives and works in Notting Hill, London.

“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

“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. I know I’ll be returning to this film again and again.”

- 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

"What is very inspiring to me is that it really explains mark-making in painting

in a very brave and tasteful, clear and intelligent way.

The camera movements and the atmosphere and the lighting are just delicious!"

- 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