These objects served as grim reminders of the briefness of life and a subtle warning that worldly possessions do not follow you into the afterlife.īut here are some of the most common themes and object choices when doing a still life:įlower arrangements – Bouquets or vases of flowers are one of the most popular subjects of still life artworks. When the still life genre was recognized many freshly killed animals and old skulls made their way onto the canvas. The beauty is that you can limit the amount that you reference from a photograph and instead create directly from life.
In an art class the instructor will most likely arrange the composition for you.īut when working on your own projects you have full control. You can arrange any collection of inanimate objects to be the subject of a still life. Starting off as a way for students to practice shape and form, the still life has evolved into a fully-fledged genre of art.Īrtists predominantly use paints like oil to complete their work but watercolor, acrylic, and carbon pencil are also popular. As long as the subject matter remains inanimate, even pen and pencil can create a still life piece. The brush strokes can be loose and wild or precise and bold. Still life artwork comes in many different styles and mediums. When drawing inanimate objects you can be sure they will stay in the same position until you move them, making it an easier task for beginners. With a still life you know the objects won’t ever move and you can practice objects with different properties like shiny metal, clear porcelain, or bulbous apples.įruit bowls are a popular choice because they’re made up of simple shapes and everyone has fruit lying around.Ĭreating a still life is a starting point for someone to practice fundamental skills.
Still life work contrasts figure drawing which focuses on a live human model. The subject matter is inanimate and never moves, typically with a focus on household objects, flowers, or fruits. That means if you buy something we get a small commission at no extra cost to you( learn more)Ī still life is a drawing or painting that focuses on still objects. Tips Written by Claire Heginbotham Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.