In the world of art, the word still life can refer to a variety of subject matter, from common household items like a vase of flowers to the more elaborate and rarefied arrangements of precious objects. As a genre, still life paintings are a subset of the larger family of paintings known as genre works.
If you are thinking of trying to paint still life, then you have come to the right place. Still life paintings have been around for centuries and many different artists have used them as a way to explore the fundamentals of painting. In this blog post, we will explore what to do and how to do it.
Subject matters - The subject matter of still life paintings is determined by the objects that are portrayed in the paintings. Discover some of the natural still life objects that appear in famous still life paintings throughout history!
Meaning & Themes in Still Life Art - When looking at a still life painting, or when creating one, the most important thing to ask yourself is, "What does it mean?" Is it a random collection of items, or did the artist have a particular intention when choosing them? It's easy to look at a painting and think, "Hmm, pretty objects", and quickly move on to the next painting. But the artwork usually goes much deeper than just depicting pretty objects. Even if a piece is purportedly meaningless, there is always an underlying thought process behind the work. (And if you want to look at art intelligently, it's important to examine the artwork with an investigative eye and an inquisitive mind!)
The themes for a still life painting can be personal, cultural, societal, mythological, religious or philosophical and existential. Or, they can be based on material qualities, such as color or texture. They can even be whimsically based on objects that start with the same letter of the alphabet, or things you might find in a typical junk drawer in someone's kitchen. And of course, all of these themes can overlap to weave a richly layered tapestry of theme and meaning within a single artwork!
Still Life painting is a form of art that is not as popular as it once was. But it is still well respected by artists, and a lot of people are looking to start Still Life painting as a hobby. But how do you go about Still Life painting, and how can you get started?
Still-life painting is the depiction in paintings, drawings and prints of inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which may be either natural (food, flowers, books, wine glasses etc.) or man-made (drinking glasses, bottles, clocks, etc.). The word still life is derived from the paintings' depiction of "motionless life" (from the French word "still-life").
Here are quick 5 tips on creating still life art -
Choose interesting objects: Select objects with varied shapes, textures, and colors to create an engaging composition.
Lighting: Experiment with different lighting setups to create depth and drama in your still life. Side lighting can be particularly effective in highlighting texture and creating shadows.
Composition: Consider the placement of your objects within the frame. Use the rule of thirds or other compositional techniques to create balance and interest.
Experiment with different mediums: Still life can be created using a variety of mediums, including paint, pencil, charcoal, and even photography. Experiment with different mediums to find what works best for you.
Practice: Like any art form, still life requires practice to master. Set aside regular time to work on your still life skills and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Hope this helps you to kickstart your next artwork. Don't forget it to submit on Children's Art Museum!