Want to Get Better at Art? Here’s Why You Need to Try Still Life Drawing

Want guidance on how to draw your still life?

Simple Art Tips gives a primer on the process in this video. Essentially, you'll want to start by getting the placement of your objects. Lightly sketch the outline of the objects, and don't be afraid to erase until you get your composition perfect. Once you have that down, start to add contour line details to each object, from the lip of a lid to the label of a canister.

This video stops at contour lines. To take your drawing even further towards realism, start shading by beginning with the lightest tones to the darkest. After that, refine your artwork and you're done!

25+ Still Life Drawing Ideas to Try

You have potential still life compositions all around your home—they are just waiting to be drawn! But if you’re looking for some fresh arrangements, here are over 25 still life drawing ideas to try.

  • Crumbled paper bags
  • Fabric draped over furniture or other objects
  • A collection of different sized and shaped vases
  • Collectible figurines
  • A variety of hot sauces (focus on the labels)
  • Your favorite plants from your indoor jungle
  • Empty boxes
  • Bones and skeletons
  • Your art supplies, artfully arranged
  • Shoes of all kinds
  • Athletic equipment like a baseball mitt
  • Novelty mylar balloons
  • Stuffed animals and dolls
  • Makeup such as lipstick, mascara, and brushes
  • Seashells
  • Vintage electronics—the older, the better!
  • Silverware
  • Lock and key
  • Small musical instruments such as a violin or clarinet
  • Folded paper like origami cranes
  • Fruits and vegetables—include some that are halved
  • Nuts, bolts, and tools
  • Melted candle
  • Fresh flowers
  • Spread from a fashion magazine
  • Delectable desserts

Get Inspired With These Still Life Drawings

A post shared by bryan – pen & ink artist (@bryanthegirl) on

A post shared by P.n.r (@1982rad) on

 

Want to share your love of drawing? Join our Art, Design, Photography, and Drawing Club on Facebook!

 

Related Articles:

Learn the Basics of Charcoal Drawing to Capture the Intensity of Life with Art

75+ Drawing Ideas That Will Get You Sketching Right Now

7 Fun Drawing Games That Challenge You to Flex Your Creativity Muscles

Page 2/2

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content