Still Life Drawing Techniques

Composition

Observation is key. Start by organising the objects in a pleasing way, paying attention to proximity, overlap, alignment and angles.
Balance is important; distribute the different shapes, sizes, colours, textures and empty spaces symmetrically or asymmetrically.
Consider the rule of thirds which divides the frame into 9 equal rectangles, 3 across and 3 down, and place objects along those lines or their intersections.
Bear in mind the foreground, middle ground, and background. Layer your still life with objects at various positions to create depth.

Sketching

Start with lightly drawn lines using a pencil to outline the shape of the objects.
Use different drawing techniques for different objects; straight line drawing for hard-edged objects, tonal sketching for round or smooth objects, and contour drawing for irregularly shaped objects.
Practise proportional drawing to accurately depict size relations between different objects.
Use perspective drawing, like one point and two point perspectives, to draw the objects in three dimensions.

Shading

Identify the light source and keep it consistent. The part facing the light will be the brightest.
Differentiate between the different levels of darkness: light tones, halftones, core shadow, reflected light and cast shadow.
Use several shading techniques such as cross-hatching, stippling, smudging, and back and forth strokes to depict textures and depth.

Detailing

Notice subtle variations in colour and tone, and replicate them to add realism to your work.
Use your pencil or colours estimated for intricate details.
Make use of erasers not just for erasing mistakes, but also to work on highlights and improve contrasts.

Finishing Touches

Re-evaluate and refine your drawings, improving where necessary.
Always add the darkest areas and fine details towards the end.
Use spraying fixatives to prevent your work from smudging once it’s complete.

Remember, patience and practice is key while developing your still life drawing skills. It is about interpreting what you see and transferring it onto paper. Experiment with different materials like charcoal, ink, pastel as well as a combination of these to create your own style.