The Application of Henri Fantin-Latour’s Painting Techniques in Still Life Painting

Abstract

This study examines the application of traditional oil painting techniques derived from the still life works of Henri Fantin -Latour within contemporary studio -based art education. The research aims to (1) study the key painting techniques evident in Fantin-Latour’s still life works and (2) apply these techniques to the practice of still life painting in an instructional context. Grounded in a qualitative, practice-based research framework, the study was conducted in the Painting 3 course at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. The participants consisted of 28 second -year undergraduate painting students. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of student portfolios. The findings indicate that Fantin-Latour’s still life paintings are characterized by a disciplined indirect oil painting process, including tonal underpainting (grisaille), transparent layering and glazing, selective use of opaque pai nt, and refined surface treatment. These techniques emphasize tonal control, spatial depth, and material sensitivity rather than dramatic visual effects. The application phase translated these technical principles into a structured five- stage studio process, guiding students from preparatory drawing and tonal establishment to the integration of transparent and opaque layers and final surface refinement. The results demonstrate that this systematic approach supports the development of technical proficiency, tonal coherence, and visual unity in students’ still life paintings. The study highlights the pedagogical value of integrating art historical techniques into contemporary painting instruction and affirms the relevance of traditional oil painting methods within higher education in fine arts.