Develop an Expressive Still Life

You’ve seen how artists compose paintings with meaning in many different ways. Now it’s your turn to use line and color to develop a still life that makes a statement.

Look at the paintings in this issue of Scholastic Art. Consider the emotions the artists convey and the techniques they use to do so. Write an adjective on an index card and then place it in a box or hat. Once all your classmates have added their index cards, take turns selecting one card randomly. Think about how you might create a still-life composition that conveys your chosen adjective. Set up a still-life arrangement in your classroom. Use pencil to practice drawing the scene. Experiment with line to figure out how you can best illustrate your chosen adjective. For example, if your adjective is excited, you might use short, quick lines to create energy and excitement in the drawing. Create several practice sketches, experimenting with varied types of line.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to take risks as you experiment with different techniques. 

Use pencil to begin lightly sketching your final composition. First, focus only on sketching the scene. Look carefully at the edges of the objects in relation to one another to accurately render the space. Note the direction of the light source and use value to create depth. Then think about how you can emphasize your intended meaning. Try using line to define the energy in the scene. Does your adjective imply a style that is playful or serious? Should your drawing be quick and sketchy or bold and precise? How can you convey these ideas visually? As you work, add details that support your statement. Then use Sharpie pens to trace over your drawing.

Tip: Remember to refer to your practice sketches from the previous step.

Begin to incorporate color using watercolor paints. Work slowly and with intention, allowing time for the paint to dry to avoid unwanted mixing. Select colors that will help you express the emotions you associate with your adjective. You might paint your entire composition or add color sparingly to create emphasis. Use color to create highlights and shadows, and to help create the illusion that the objects in the scene are three-dimensional. When you are finished with your painting, discuss your work with your classmates. Ask them to consider the emotions they experience when looking at your composition. Invite them to guess your adjective.

Tip: Be consistent in color and style to achieve a sense of unity in your composition.

Prepared by: James Cipalla, Northside Middle School, Norfolk, Virginia