In a still life, it is very important to have a visually interesting compositional arrangement. This leads our eye to explore every object as we perceive its contour, form, colour, texture and relate it to the other objects placed around it.

Make small groups according to your shared interests before beginning this activity.

Step 1: Choosing objects for a still life

1. Choose objects from your everyday life and culture, which convey your identity and belonging. You would enjoy making it because you know its minutest details. For example, a basket, clock, ball, toy, shoes, trophies, flowers, fruits, etc.
2. Search for rare or unusual objects made by local artists along with other objects that complement it.
3. Select three to four objects that are 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. The colour of the cloth should not distract your attention from the objects, rather complements it. If you do not have cloth, you can use any other material that would create a plain backdrop so that the objects are in focus.

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Step 3: Arranging the objects

1. Drape the cloth with a few folds that fall naturally.
2. Place objects so that it appear to overlap a little when seen from different angles. The objects should be composed as one unit.
3. Experiment with interesting placements before finalising an arrangement. For example, an object can be placed upright or on its side, or leaning on something or raised, etc.
4. Light and shadow: Objects should be placed where light falls on it from one side, and creates tonalities and shadows. For this, you can partially close or open doors and windows in your classroom, or use screens, old banners, curtains or sheets to adjust, or f ilter the light.

In each of these artworks, identify the side from which the light is falling.

MATERIALS

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

Step 1: Observe the still life from your angle

Look at the examples below, made by 5 different students. Each student would have viewed this still life from a different angle.

Find their differences and analyse by observing these points —

1. The areas occupied by the blue and green backdrops.
2. The overlapping portions and spaces between the objects.
3. The shadows and highlights on the objects.
4. The mouths of both containers.

Step 2: Five minutes observation

Look at the still life you have arranged and decide whether your drawing would fit better vertically, or horizontally. Use the maximum space on your paper for drawing.

Next, observe the following —

• The size of each object and its proportion to the others.
• The lines and contours of every object.
• Various shapes that are combined to make each object.
• Symmetries and asymmetries.
• Overlapping parts of the object (the portions that are not seen from your angle).s
• Distance between objects and the shapes of its negative spaces.s
• Angle of light and the shadows (falling on the objects, cloth and surfaces).

Step 3: Draw the contour using light lines

• Mark the points of various objects that would be close to the edges of your paper. This will ensure that all your objects stay within the frame.
• Mark the ratio and proportion of objects. Use your pencil to measure the proportion of the smallest object in relation to the tallest object.

Important: Note the ratios for achieving correct proportions and not drawing the actual size of the objects.

• Draw the hidden basic shapes of each object and fit it within the markings you have made.
• Complete the contour and add details using light lines.

Step 4: Colour the still life

Use a medium of your choice, and try different techniques to show tones and shades of colours. Be innovative while mixing colours and experiments with varying sizes, and colours of dots, lines, strokes and patches.