Painting 101:

Still life - step by step

by Tissa Hewavitarane

Still life is traditionally the pictorial genure that generates most interest. It can be practiced from the moment you start with watercolours.

It is important that the enthusiast covers all of the topics so that the creative capabilities which most suit the artist can be developed. Doing landscapes can involve concepts that leave aside questions related to still life. For example, the proportions or precision in the form of a landscape are not always paramount. Conversely, in a still life these questions are indispensable.

Preparing the model

To do a faithful still life it is first necessary for the set-up to be correct for it forms part of the composition itself.

The still life, is of the composition itself. The still life, is one of the subjects which keeps the majority of painters the busiest. To elaborate a still life the model or the object his to be prepared with care and the possible composition techniques have to be brought out. When preparing the still life some key points have to be borne in mind, like for example to composition of the model that will be used as a reference.

The grouping of the elements of the still life is a fundamental question that has to be considered whenever two or more objects are in use. It is important to compose a still life so that each individual element contributes to the total design.

Observe carefully the still life I have done related to this lesson. It consists of fruits the glass against the Matt surface of the table cloth, the plates, the folk, and the table knife is one way to add interest to a still-life through textural contrasts.

There is a pleasing harmony and rhythm to the objects I have grouped. It forms roughly a picturesque pattern within the borders of the frame everything in the group is organised so as to carry the eye of the viewer on a visual ‘tour’ of the painting. Another striking touch is that each of the objects in the group shares a common theme they are all kitchen objects.

Unify the subject

When you have a group of objects of different size, shapes and colour, it is vital that they relate to one another and that the spaces between the objects also make interesting shapes. Play around with the arrangement of the objects before starting to paint, and make rough sketches so you can see how the overall shape of the group will look on paper. Look for points where objects can overlap, because this ties the objects together and creates interesting shape relationships.

Repetition and variation

Try to repeat the shapes and colours within the group, because this sets up visual rhythms which the viewer will respond to. Repeating shapes and forms can also unite and integrate the objects in your still life and prevent them from appearing too scattered.

A word of caution, however beware of making there repetitions too regular, as this can lead to monotony. Introduce subtle variations of size, shape or tone to add spice to the design.

In the painting I have done the rounded shapes of the fruits mangoes, the pineapple, the round plates, and the glass of water creates intriguing visuals connecting yet none is exactly like the other. The colours, too are nicely tied together, with variations on the fruits with orange, and yellow repeated throughout, to create a lively harmonious colour scheme.

Leading the eye

In this painting I have used strong colour and shapes that activate the picture space and make the painting come alive. In your composition, its important to ensure that the lines, shapes, tone and colours are arranged so as to lead the eye through the painting. Notice the objects are arranged to setup subtle lines and rhythms that direct the eye from one area to another. The background with subtle lines and strong colours provide life to the painting, counter balancing the energetic shapes of the fruits.

Types of still life

Finally, before beginning to paint any still life it is indispensable that the artist prepares the subject that is going to be painted. It is necessary to have available the things that are going to be the subject: flowers, fruits, pots or combination of objects which offer an adequate composition for the picture. It is possible to find inspiration for a still life any where, it is just a question of looking around to realise the majority of objects that surround us can be subjects. Up until now we have seen numerous still life with classic elements such as apples, bottles, flowers and jugs but you do not have to draw the line here. Even the most everyday objects can be used as a model worthy of being painted.

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