by Robert Zondag
On the surface, it would appear to be the easiest of any art projects—using items found in your home to create a composition. However, this type of art has intrigued artists for centuries and the technique has produced some of the greatest and most recognizable works of art in history.
What is a still life? A still life is a composition using inanimate objects found either in nature or made by man or machine. For instance, a grouping of seashells may be used or tools in a toolbox. In some cases, the artist adds a touch of ‘life’ to the painting by adding an insect, flower, or bird. This is particularly true in traditional Chinese art.
Still life as an art form has been around since artists began placing paint on a surface. Still life compositions can be found as early as ancient Egypt. In Egyptian tombs, it is believed these compositions would help the deceased in the afterlife. The use of still life compositions flourished under the masters of sixteenth and seventh century who used the form as an allegory of the frailty of human life and the passage of time from youth to old age. Italian and Spanish painters of this period explored the use of still life not only in its own right, but as studies for their paintings of historic and religious motifs. Works of the Italian artist Caravaggio and the Spanish artist Cotan provide excellent examples for a student.
The use of still life flourished in the Dutch Golden Age where the use of religious iconography was generally discouraged or forbidden by the Dutch Protestant Reformation. For these artists the use of allegory, or hidden meaning, became especially powerful. Studying these paintings allow for a wonderful opportunity for discussion with your student. Have your student research works of art at the library or on the internet.
Modern art also uses still life both in realism and abstraction. Have your student find examples of abstract still life composition in the works of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Georges Braque. One modern artist who explored the use of still life intensely is the Italian, Giorgio Morandi. Your student may visit a museum dedicated to the artist online.
After reviewing still life compositions and discussing the intentions of the various artists, have your student choose familiar objects from your home and arrange a picture to draw or paint. Let your student choose the medium, or have the student create the same composition several times using different mediums. Compare the effects. You will be amazed at the depth of the composition that your child can achieve.
On the surface, it would appear to be the easiest of any art projects—using items found in your home to create a composition. However, this type of art has intrigued artists for centuries and the technique has produced some of the greatest and most recognizable works of art in history.
What is a still life? A still life is a composition using inanimate objects found either in nature or made by man or machine. For instance, a grouping of seashells may be used or tools in a toolbox. In some cases, the artist adds a touch of ‘life’ to the painting by adding an insect, flower, or bird. This is particularly true in traditional Chinese art.
Still life as an art form has been around since artists began placing paint on a surface. Still life compositions can be found as early as ancient Egypt. In Egyptian tombs, it is believed these compositions would help the deceased in the afterlife. The use of still life compositions flourished under the masters of sixteenth and seventh century who used the form as an allegory of the frailty of human life and the passage of time from youth to old age. Italian and Spanish painters of this period explored the use of still life not only in its own right, but as studies for their paintings of historic and religious motifs. Works of the Italian artist Caravaggio and the Spanish artist Cotan provide excellent examples for a student.
The use of still life flourished in the Dutch Golden Age where the use of religious iconography was generally discouraged or forbidden by the Dutch Protestant Reformation. For these artists the use of allegory, or hidden meaning, became especially powerful. Studying these paintings allow for a wonderful opportunity for discussion with your student. Have your student research works of art at the library or on the internet.
Modern art also uses still life both in realism and abstraction. Have your student find examples of abstract still life composition in the works of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Georges Braque. One modern artist who explored the use of still life intensely is the Italian, Giorgio Morandi. Your student may visit a museum dedicated to the artist online.
After reviewing still life compositions and discussing the intentions of the various artists, have your student choose familiar objects from your home and arrange a picture to draw or paint. Let your student choose the medium, or have the student create the same composition several times using different mediums. Compare the effects. You will be amazed at the depth of the composition that your child can achieve.
