Day 2

What do you see in these examples that you like? That you don't like?

What choices in color, line, or layering stand out to you in this piece? Why do they feel effective or not?

How does the artist use contrast, like inverse colors or bold vs. soft areas, to create impact or draw your eye?

What techniques or materials look like they were pushed the furthest? Where do you see risk-taking or experimentation?

What do you see in these examples that you like or don’t like, and how might that influence your own work?

How artists use "line" to create art:

Pinterest "LINE" board

Think about this before you start arranging. Are you telling a story? Exploring a theme? Creating contrast or mood? Your object choices should be intentional.

Homework: Create Your Own Still Life 

Set up a still life at home with at least 3 objects

• Be thoughtful about:
  • Lighting (natural vs. artificial, dramatic shadows, etc.)
  • Background (clean, textured, or meaningful?)
  • Object Selection (personal meaning, contrast, interest)
  • Messaging & Storytelling (what do these objects say together?)

• Take many photos from different angles and distances
  • Try to fill the frame
  • At least 10 high-quality photo options
  • At least half of your photos must have parts of the still life going outside the frame
  • Consider whether your photos will be landscape, portrait, or a mix

Come to next class ready to choose your final reference image and begin drawing.

Add your still life photos to Section 2: Connection as your Personal Connection 

Brief History of Still Life

Still life art focuses on arranging and depicting everyday objects like food, flowers, and household items. It began in ancient Egypt and Rome, where artists painted objects to honor the dead or show wealth.

During the Renaissance, artists used still life to show skill and explore symbolism. In the 1600s, Dutch and Spanish painters made the genre popular, Dutch artists often showed luxury and the passage of time, while Spanish painters emphasized simplicity and faith.

By the 1800s, artists like Paul Cézanne used still life to explore color, shape, and composition, influencing modern art. In the 1900s and today, artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Morandi reinvented still life through abstraction and new materials, keeping the genre fresh and relevant.

You will research one artist who is known for creating still life artworks. Your goal is to understand their style, techniques, and ideas so you can use what you learn to inspire your own still life project.

Add to Section 2: Connections on your digital portfolio page.

Step 1: Choose an Artist

Pick one artist who has created still life artworks.
You may choose a classic or contemporary artist.
Examples (but not limitd too):

• Paul Cézanne

• Georgia O’Keeffe

• Henri Matisse

• Janet Fish

• Audrey Flack

• Wayne Thiebaud

• Fernando Botero

• Ori Gersht

• Anna Valdez
  
  

Step 2: Research the Artist

Find a reliable source (museum websites, art publications, or artist’s own site).
SMART HISTORY  is a great and reliable website for learning more about art
Take notes on:

• The artist’s background (where/when they lived or live)

• Style (realistic, abstract, pop, etc.)

• Materials and techniques used

• Themes or meanings behind their still lifes

• One example of their still life artwork that you find interesting
  
  

Step 3: Analyze a Still Life Artwork

Choose one still life piece by your artist.
Write a short summary that describes:

• What objects you see

• How color, lighting, and composition are used

• What mood or message the artist might be communicating

• What makes this work unique or inspiring to you

Step 4: Reflect

Answer these questions:

• What ideas or techniques could you borrow for your own still life?

• How does this artist make ordinary objects feel meaningful?

30s - 11m