FEB 20-22, 2026
Masterclass with David Cheifetz, renowned contemporary still life artist
Occidental Fine Arts
Masterclass with David Cheifetz, renowned contemporary still life artist
Occidental Fine Arts
Pioneer Square, Seattle.
Occidental Fine Arts is thrilled to announce that David Cheifetz—one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary still life painting—is coming to Seattle for an intensive 3-day masterclass at Occidental Fine Arts.
David's signature approach, which he calls "Imaginative Realism," has captivated collectors and fellow artists worldwide. His work transforms ordinary objects—a simple pear, a weathered pot, a folded cloth—into atmospheric, dreamlike compositions that feel both timeless and utterly contemporary.
Over three days, David will share the techniques and philosophy behind his celebrated paintings, working alongside a small group of serious painters in our Pioneer Square studio.
David begins every painting with pure abstract marks—loose gestures that establish the emotional foundation before any subject emerges. You'll learn to trust this process and discover how it leads to more dynamic, unified compositions.
Rather than slavishly copying what's in front of you, David teaches artists to interpret shapes and light through imagination. This approach transforms technical painting into personal expression.
David works wet-into-wet, building his characteristic atmosphere through bold value contrasts and subtle color temperature shifts. You'll practice these techniques in real-time, painting alongside him.
Perhaps most valuable: each participant will receive personal feedback from David on their work. These one-on-one critiques are opportunities to break through plateaus and see your painting with fresh eyes.
David Cheifetz is a contemporary realist painter known for his moody, atmospheric still life work. His paintings have been featured in International Artist Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Southwest Art, and hang in collections worldwide. He teaches workshops across the country, and his online following of over 200,000 artists speaks to the impact of his teaching.
What sets David apart isn't just his technical mastery—it's his ability to articulate the thinking behind his process. Students consistently describe his teaching as transformative, opening new ways of seeing that extend far beyond any single workshop.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 20–22, 2026 (Friday–Sunday) |
| Location | Occidental Fine Arts, Pioneer Square, Seattle |
| Format | In-person, 3 full days |
| Class Size | Limited to 12 participants (9 spots remaining) |
There is no tuition cost for accepted participants, but space is limited.
This workshop is subsidized by the Conru Art Foundation and presented in association with the Atelier program at Occidental Fine Arts Center, dedicated to bringing world-class instruction to Seattle—the kind of intensive, mentorship-driven training that traditionally required traveling to ateliers in Florence or Paris.
Now it's in your backyard.
Because spots are limited and the workshop is free, we use a portfolio review process to ensure each participant can fully benefit from this intensive experience.
To apply:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We'll notify you within 5 business days of submission.
This workshop is designed for painters with foundational skills who are ready to push into more expressive territory. You should be comfortable with basic oil painting technique—David won't be covering how to hold a brush or mix paint. Instead, he'll help you break free from rigid approaches and find your own voice within realism.
If you've been painting for a while and feel stuck in a technical rut, or if you're drawn to atmospheric, emotionally resonant work but aren't sure how to get there, this workshop is for you.
Only 9 spots remain. Apply now ?
Occidental Fine Arts is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to advancing classical and contemporary realism in the Pacific Northwest. The Atelier program at Occidental Fine Arts Center brings master artists to Seattle for intensive workshops, making world-class instruction accessible to serious painters regardless of financial means.
