Chapter 16: Still Life in Colour

Learning Outcomes

• Observes variations in material, colour, and position of objects when creating a still life.
• Takes informed decisions from choosing objects, arranging them, and creating the still life.

Key Steps in Creating a Still Life

1. Choosing Objects
   • Select objects that convey identity and belonging (e.g., basket, clock, flowers).
   • Include rare or unusual objects that complement each other.
   • Aim for variety in materials, colours, textures, sizes, and dimensions.
2. Choosing the Backdrop
   • Use single-coloured cloth or material that complements the objects.
   • Ensure the backdrop does not distract from the objects.
3. Arranging the Objects
   • Drape cloth with natural folds.
   • Overlap objects slightly for visual interest.
   • Experiment with placements for dynamic arrangements.
   • Consider light and shadow effects by adjusting light sources.
4. Drawing the Still Life
   • Observe from different angles to capture proportions and contours.
   • Use light lines for contour drawing and detail addition.
   • Keep checking the arrangement to ensure accuracy.
5. Colouring the Still Life
   • Use chosen medium and techniques like stippling and hatching to show tones and shades.
   • Be innovative in mixing colours and applying techniques.

Important Artists in Still Life

• Paul Cezanne: Known for experimenting with new painting techniques in the 19th century.
• Krishna Howlaji Ara: A 20th-century Indian artist known for his still life paintings.

Technical Tips

• Regularly lift your head to observe the still life for better accuracy in drawing.
• Use various techniques to achieve different tonalities in colour application.

Chapter 16: Still Life in Colour

Learning Outcomes

• Observes the variations in material, colour and position of objects when creating a still life.
• Takes informed decisions from choosing objects, arranging them and creating the still life.

Activity 16.1: Arranging a Still Life

Step 1: Choosing Objects

• Choose objects from everyday life that convey identity and belonging (e.g., basket, clock, ball, toy, shoes, trophies, flowers, fruits).
• Search for rare or unusual objects made by local artists.
• Select 3-4 objects of varying materials, colours, textures, sizes, and dimensions.

Step 2: Choosing the Backdrop

• Select one or two large pieces of single-coloured cloth to create a backdrop that complements the objects.

Step 3: Arranging the Objects

1. Drape the cloth with natural folds.
2. Place objects to appear overlapping from different angles.
3. Experiment with placements (upright, on side, leaning, raised).
4. Consider light and shadow for tonalities.

Activity 16.2: Draw and Colour the Still Life

Materials Needed

• A4 size paper or 1/4 chart paper, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, colouring medium of choice.

Steps to Follow

1. Observe the still life from your angle.
2. Draw the contour using light lines, ensuring all objects stay within the frame.
3. Colour the still life using various techniques to show tones and shades.

Technical Tips

• Keep lifting your head to observe the still life for better resemblance in drawing.

Important Artists

• Paul Cezanne: Known for experimenting with new techniques in still life painting.
• Krishna Howlaji Ara: A member of the Progressive Artists Group, known for his still life paintings.

Conclusion

• Still life compositions are integral in art, evolving from symbolic representations to main subjects in artworks.