Question

How to Paint a Still Life

 

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Answer 1

 

 

• 1

  Prepare your workspace. Arrange your materials neatly around your easel. Use a well-lit spot with your paint, pencils and brushes by your side. Use natural lighting if possible.

• 2

  Arrange the subject. Place your subject in a place that makes it easy to glance back and forth between the subject and your painting. Arrange the objects in a way that is not too cluttered or busy. Pay close attention to the lighting and how it affects your subject.

• 3

  Mix the background color. Pick a color for your background that is the opposite of the main color in your still life. For example, if the main color in your still life is red, choose a shade of green for your background. Put a small amount of sand in a cup and mix it with a bit of acrylic paint. Add just enough acrylic to get some color.

• 4

  Paint the background. Apply the paint mixture liberally across the whole surface. Allow it to dry then apply a second coat. Once the second coat is completely dry, use your hand to lightly brush off any excess sand.

• 5

  Frame the subject. Use your hand to frame the objects to get a sense of how the still life is going to fit on the canvas. Compare how large objects are relative to everything else, and decide where you should place each object on the background.

• 6

  Sketch an outline. Draw a very light outline of your subject in pencil. Avoid erasing to prevent smudging or tearing the paper.

• 7

  Paint the still life. Begin with the largest objects and then focus on detail. Thinner layers of paint should be applied first, gradually thickening as you go. Work with lighter and medium tones first, then the darks. Pay close attention to shadows, angles and light effects as you complete your still life.