A still life is a drawing or painting of inanimate objects arranged by the artist. Setting up an effective still life composition requires choosing a location with good lighting, including architectural elements for direction, and selecting interesting objects to demonstrate value and composition skills. When creating a still life drawing or painting, artists should plan the arrangement of objects, sketch the composition lightly, add value gradually to define shapes rather than using hard lines, and aim for a full range of tones. Proper drawing position and taking time to plan the composition before rendering details are also important tips for developing still life works.

2. What does“STILL LIFE” mean?
A still life is a drawing or painting of inanimate objects - such
as fruit, pottery and flowers.

3. The artist has a chance to arrange these objects in order to
work out the composition of their artwork.
In addition, they are a great way to practice and develop
observational drawing techniques.

4. TIPS FOR SETTING UP
YOUR OWN STILL LIF

5. TIPS
FOR
SETTING
UP
YOUR
OWN
STILL LIFE
1. Choose your location: is the key to
a strong painting or drawing.
The creation of a strong range of values will give
life and impact to your work.

6. 2. Architectural features such as a window frame
or door can add direction to a composition. Think
about the overall arrangement and composition
of your page.
TIPS
FOR
SETTING
UP
YOUR
OWN
STILL LIFE

7. 3. Choose your objects with thought!
Choose objects that will make an interesting
drawing and demonstrate use of value and
composition.
TIPS
FOR
SETTING
UP
YOUR
OWN
STILL LIFE

8. 4. Arrange the group. When arranging, consider
compositional elements, avoiding bland central
positioning and symmetry. Once you get the
hang of it, be a little daring! Try something with a
unique perspective or challenge your skills.
TIPS
FOR
SETTING
UP
YOUR
OWN
STILL LIFE

10. Starting your STILL LIFE

11. Setting up your composition:
Plan your drawing by planning the
arrangement of your objects
(Remember - you have control as
the artist!)
Think about the OVERALL “shape
of the objects”, how they will
appear on the page

12. Create a Value Scale :

13. Drawing Simple Objects:

14. Start your drawing…
• LIGHTLY sketch out shapes of objects
• Work out the kinks now… get the perspective, composition and
proportions right…

21. Add Details to your drawing…

22. Drawing Techniques

23. Measuring with a Pencil.

24. Measuring with a Grid.

25. Measuring with a Basic Shapes.

26. Measuring with a Basic Shapes.

27. Measuring with Axes.

31. TIPS FOR WORKING ON YOUR
STILL LIFE Project

32. TIPS FOR WORKING ON YOUR STILL LIFE:
1. Drawing Position - sit with a board in your lap, held at an angle (45
degree) so you can see your subject AND your drawing at the
same time.
2. PLAN before you draw! You can use a viewfinder if you want…
Think about the composition and how you will arrange elements on
the page.
3. Sketch out your composition lightly! Work out proportions and
perspective BEFORE you get detailed and add value. You can use
a light pencil (2h).
4. After working out your contours, planes and shapes, begin adding
VALUE. Add value slowly - layering to build up deep tones. DO
NOT define edges with lines, define them with shifts in value. This
will take some planning.
5. Make sure you achieve a full range of value. Beginners tend to
draw too lightly and end up with a washed-out looking drawing.
See a value scale if you need reference.

40. Start Now .