133. How to Create (and Paint!) a Still Life
In this tutorial we're doing something a little bit different! Not only will we paint a still life together, but I'll also talk you through how to create your own from scratch. We will look at considerations around what makes an interesting composition and, with that, the sort of objects that you might look for lying around the house. Plus pointers for gathering an inventory of objects to build your still lifes from over time. We'll also touch on the idea of symbolism and the stories that objects can tell. And of course, the importance of lighting and how to go about this! Whether you prefer a simple arrangement of just a few carefully chosen items or something much more elaborate, I hope this tutorial inspires you to see still life in a whole new way. And even if you've never considered yourself a still life painter, this might just encourage you to give one a go! The ideas we explore apply to almost any subject and will help strengthen your compositions, whatever you love to paint. Along the way, we'll look at simplifying shapes, using light and shadow to create strong tonal values, and I'll share plenty of watercolour techniques and tips to bring the painting to life. Let's dive in!