A beginner’s guide to still life drawing

Still-life drawing is typically a distant memory from art lessons in school. However, this unique art form has plenty to offer and is ready to be rediscovered.

Embark on a journey with us as we revisit the appeal of this artistic genre and unlock the secrets woven into its rich history.

Still-life drawing is more than just a nostalgic throwback — it holds many benefits for aspiring artists. It’s also an art form that’s easily accessible, requiring minimal tools and expenses to begin your creative exploration.

So, dust off that pencil and join us as we explore the roots of still-life, the essentials of the craft, and the path to achieving the best results.

What is still-life drawing?

Still-life drawing is an art form that portrays lifeless objects — typically natural or artificial everyday items.

While bowls of fruit or vases of flowers are commonly featured, the beauty of still-life lies in its limitless possibilities. With no boundaries, you can draw anything that sparks your imagination.

The history of still-life

Delving into art history, still-life has roots in the paintings discovered within ancient Egyptian tombs. These early representations served a religious purpose, illustrating personal belongings and food to accompany the departed into the afterlife.

The genre solidified its presence in the 16th-century Netherlands, coining the term ‘still-life’ from the Dutch word ‘stilleven.’ Initially laden with religious and moral symbolism, still-life transitioned over time.

In the 17th century, abundant floral paintings were juxtaposed with reminders of life’s fleeting nature, while religious undertones departed in the 18th century.

The 19th century ushered in the era of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters, who infused experimentation, vibrant colours, and new techniques into still-life works. Iconic examples from this period include Vincent Van Gogh’s renowned sunflower paintings.

As the 20th century unfolded, abstraction took centre stage, introducing simplification, altered perspectives, and unexpected colour palettes.

The still-life genre has evolved through sculpture, performance, and installation art in the contemporary era. However, their origins can be traced back to the fundamental practice of artists wielding paper (or charcoal) and pencil in the 16^th century.

Why still-life drawing is important

Still-life drawing is an invaluable pursuit for emerging artists eager to refine their craft.

Sketching inanimate objects sharpens artistic prowess and nurtures foundational skills such as hand-eye coordination and the nuanced manipulation of light, shadow, and perspective. Additionally, it becomes a playground for enhancing observation abilities and cultivating artistic confidence.

Armed with acquired skills and a distinct artistic style, you can seamlessly transpose your knowledge onto many creative projects.

The beauty lies in still-life’s accessibility — all you need to commence your artistic journey is an artist’s pencil, paper, and an eraser. Once you’ve mastered the art of composition, your artistic domain expands, encompassing subjects within your home and beyond.

Drawing and art also benefit your mental well-being, elevating moods and enabling mindfulness.

So, whether you’re seeking skill refinement, creative exploration, or the joy of expression, still-life drawing beckons as a satisfying and attainable artistic journey.

How to create a still-life drawing

Creating a still-life drawing is more straightforward than you might expect. You decide the level of detail involved so beginners can keep it simple.

How to set up a strong still-life composition

Mastering a strong still-life composition is as crucial as perfecting the drawing. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure your set-up enhances your artistry.

Object selection

Begin by choosing one or more objects in your surroundings. Initially, choose items with simple shapes, steering clear of overly intricate designs. You can gradually progress to more complex things as you gain proficiency with simpler forms.

Lighting

Carefully consider your lighting choices. Avoid relying on natural sunlight, which can shift over time. Overhead lighting doesn’t typically provide the desired effect either. Instead, position a lamp to cast light on your objects from the side. A single, controlled light source is optimal. Ensure no natural light interferes with your composition before you begin drawing.

Depth and overlapping

Consider creating depth in your composition if you’re working with multiple items. Rather than arranging objects side by side, strategically overlap them to introduce a sense of foreground and background. This enhances visual interest and clarifies spatial relationships during the drawing process.

Point of view

Move around your composition to explore different angles. Identify the viewpoint that appeals to you the most, even if it means drawing with an easel. Adjust your set-up to ensure it aligns with your preferred perspective.

Following these guidelines will set the stage for a compelling still-life composition.

Still-life drawing method

Embarking on a still-life drawing involves a thoughtful process that transforms your visual observations into a captivating 2D representation. Follow our refined method to guide you through the artistic journey.

1.       Preliminary study and visualisation

• Carefully study your chosen objects and envision their basic shapes.
• Begin lightly pencilling these basic shapes on your paper without delving into details. For instance, a simple circle might represent an orange.
• Press lightly with your pencil at this stage, allowing for adjustments and erasing as you refine your drawing.

2.       Proportions and ratios

• Ensure accuracy in proportions, maintaining the height and width ratios consistent with the natural objects.
• Pay attention to the relationships between objects, checking that their proportions complement each other.

3.       Study lines and angles

• Use a ruler or any straight-edge tool to study the lines and angles in your composition.
• Once you’re satisfied with the proportions and angles, enhance the shapes by adding realistic curves, evolving from your initial outlines.

4.       Refinement and neatening

• Erase the initial light lines and refine your drawing as each object takes shape.
• Focus on defining the contours and details to capture a more realistic representation.

5.       Establish context

• Introduce a line to provide context for your items, indicating where they are situated — whether on a table edge, positioned on a tray, or in the corner of a room.

6.       Shadowing technique

• Observe the interplay of light and shadow in your composition.
• Add shading to your work, varying pencil pressure from light to dark and following the contours of each object.
• Begin with cast shadows, ensuring they align with the light source.

7.       Core shadowing

• Add core shadowing to the objects themselves, enhancing the depth and realism of your drawing.

8.       Gradual dimensional transformation

• Work on shading and lighting until your 2D drawings start taking on a 3D effect.
• Identify your composition’s darkest and lightest areas, emphasising them to add further depth.

9.       Personal touch and detailing

• Determine the desired level of detail and choose how much time you want to invest in adding further intricacies.
• Develop the drawing until it aligns with your artistic vision, balancing realism and your unique style.

Following these steps ensures a systematic approach to still-life drawing, resulting in a visually striking artwork you’ll be proud of.Top of Form

How to get better at still-life drawing

Advancing beyond the novice stage in still-life drawing demands dedicated practice and time. To enhance your skills, deepen your observation by focusing on intricate details — from subtle textures to nuanced shapes. Experiment with different compositions and mediums, such as charcoal or coloured pencils, to broaden your artistic versatility.

Precision and accuracy are also crucial. Pay close attention to proportions for a refined level of realism. Immerse yourself in the works of master artists, old and new, for inspiration and diverse techniques.

Document your progress by reviewing earlier drawings and setting realistic goals. Remember, each stroke contributes to your growth, and your skills will undoubtedly flourish with dedication.