Plan a Still Life Composition
Plan a Still Life Composition. Still life paintings are generally simple juxtapositions of common objects such as fruit in a bowl. But if you've ever wondered what makes your fruit in a bowl look different from those in the art books, it's less about technique (though that helps too) and more about how you structure your scene. Before you place the first stroke of paint or pencil on your canvas--it's best to sketch out several different compositions before deciding which to choose. Read on for some tips to composing your own "art book" still life.
Instructions
1. Set your scene by using boxes, bowls or other risers to create height differences that will make your composition more interesting than one on a single, flat plane. If your risers are decorative they can become part of your scene or you can drape them with something to hide them.
2. Arrange your still life objects among the surface you've created. You'll do a lot of rearranging as you make each practice sketch and consider the various elements that go into a composition. Sketch each variation with enough detail to reset it when you are ready to paint, but these are just sketches; they do not need to be overly complex.
3. Make a viewfinder by cutting a hole in a piece of cardboard or chipboard that is in the same proportion that your finished work will be. This helps to block out the surrounding area and really focus on the items you are looking at. Viewfinders can also be purchased at art and photography shops for a nominal fee.
4. Decide between an open or closed composition. Closed compositions have all elements completely contained by your frame, whereas open compositions have items extending outside the visual panel. Both have their merits and uses depending on the look you are going for, so try them both out in your trial sketches.
5. Balance your still life either symmetrically or asymmetrically. Symmetrical balance is more difficult to pull off since it must be precise or the eye will reject it. You also have the option to work off of either the horizontal or vertical axis. Asymmetrical balance can be easier to arrange but still requires work to effectively balance the shape of your elements with the negative space of the surrounding area.
6. Create a rhythm in your still life by repeating various elements within the composition. The eye will automatically locate and move to each instance within the piece where shapes, colors and patterns are intentionally repeated.
