Still+Life+Composition

Still Life Composition is based upon the rules of thirds and odds. These can be ordered by colors, shapes, line, or objects. Value can be used to guide the eye through the painting no matter the size. A lot of contemporary still life painting is small scale and or containing a minimal amount of objects, like one right in the center.



Sometimes painters practice technique by painting a still life. Sometimes a still life is a commission. At one time a still life or portrait spoke for the painter as to how good they were.



Still life

Key concept: still life composition and paint

Objective: Students will a) Paint several still lives using several different viscosities of paint. b) composition will remain simple and centered

Procedure: a) paint in a thin state b) Scumbling working on background strokes. c) last, thick, one shot. No drawing

Materials: paint brush and paper Artists: Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Morandi, Tom Brown, Jos van Reswick, David Bogart, Richard Deibenkorn

Assessment: a) tie to objectives b) sensitivity to paint and stroke c) Color mixing for shadow and depth d) background and focal Point