Still Life Painting From Life

I was asked if students can bring objects from home to paint in class. Yes! Here are some things to consider:

• Make sure that the objects you bring to class aren't busy with lots of complex details and patterns. Keep it simple.

​• Plan to have your painting done in 2 hours, the length of the class. That way, you will be painting under the lighting conditions in the classroom that day; there's no saying the same light conditions will be there next week.

• Bring items to paint and we'll make it happen!

To paint a still life from observation, begin by arranging objects under consistent lighting. Use a viewfinder or mark your canvas edges to establish composition. Sketch the basic shapes lightly with pencil, brush, or charcoal, focusing on proportion and placement. Identify the light source and block in shadow masses first to establish value structure. Mix and apply middle tones next, keeping paint thin in the early stages. Observe color temperature shifts and refine edges—keep some sharp, others soft to suggest depth. Use a limited palette to control harmony and mix colors accurately, based on observed color, not assumptions. Work across the whole painting, not object by object, to unify the composition. Avoid overworking; maintain brushstroke intention. Finally, step back often to assess relationships and make corrections. Let it dry between sessions if using oils. Clean tools thoroughly when finished.

Above is a setup I made at home. It would make a fun painting.

I have a big @ symbol. It would also be fun to paint.

Above is a more complex arrangement. Notice the lighting was carefully adjusted.

Here, the painter has kept the strokes loose.

Give it a try.