Stand in front of painter, nearly still (4)
I believe the answer is:
ease
'still' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ease that I've seen before include "Alleviate" , "'Comfort, rest (4)'" , "Absence of hardship" , "Leisure, relaxation" , "Calm" .)