Critical and Contextual Studies: Still Life

Understanding Still Life

Develop a clear understanding of what is meant by ‘Still Life’- it refers to a genre of art where objects that do not move are depicted, such as fruit, flowers, or everyday objects.
Familiarise yourself with how still life art has been used to study shape, detail, and the effects of light. These elements are often the emphasis of a still life composition.
Understand the importance of selecting, positioning and lighting objects to create a visually balanced composition.

Historical and Cultural Context of Still Life Art

Grasp the evolution of still life art throughout the periods of history, and how culture has influenced that change.
Explore the role still life has played in the art of cultures worldwide, from the Egyptians to the modern digital art era.
Note the influences of religious, philosophical, and political implications within still life art.

Famous Still Life Artists

Acquaint yourself with famous still life artists such as Paul Cézanne, Juan Gris, and Giorgio Morandi.
Observe, analyse, and understand how these artists used still life as a means to explore form, colour, and light.
Understand the impact these artists had, not only in the genre of still life, but also in art as a whole.

Analyzing Still Life Art

Understand that still life art is not just about depicting objects as they are- it also involves making choices about composition, lighting, and even what objects to feature.
Learn to analyse the object arrangements, noticing any patterns, symbolism, or thematic elements - these are often used to convey deeper meanings.
Understand that some still life works can evoke various emotional or intellectual responses, often prompted by the artist’s selection and arrangement of objects.

Creating Still Life

Find inspiration in the works of still life masters, using their techniques to refine your own compositions.
Experiment with different styles and mediums, using still life as a platform to explore new methods of painting, digital art, or even sculpting.
Develop your skills in selecting and arranging objects that reflect a certain mood, message, or theme. These skills will augment your overall artistic aptitude.

Gain a deep appreciation for the complexity of this seemingly simple art form. Remember that still life art isn’t just about drawing or painting objects. It’s a way to study form, colour, and light, to express thoughts and emotions, and to explore new techniques.