Still Life

During the 2012-2013 school year, my students have all been exposed to portraiture. Most have drawn a portrait or two. Many have also created a landscape. Now I am turning second and third grades attention to still life drawing and painting.

I've often thought of a still life as a just a drawing of stuff, but as I've tried to make that connection between these types of art, I have realized a few things that might have occurred to  me during my college days, but have been taken for granted for way too long.  

A new and conscious link has clicked in my brain!

                                                                                                  So what are these realizations?

• A still life displays items like evidence in a mystery. That collection of things belong to someone and often give clues to their life.
• A still life is like a portrait without people in it.
• Most still life art is indoors, unless the arrangement is on a porch, veranda, or picnic blanket.
• Still life pictures aren't just fruit dishes, floral arrangements, and other stuff on a table or shelf. A meal from your favorite fast food joint can become the subject of a still life if arranged and drawn in a meaningful way.

                                                                                             





I have also found a great website for those who want to learn and experiment with the genre of still life. My students are loving it!

http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/stilllife.htm