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Collecting the objects for a still life

Before you can arrange objects for a still life, you need to collect some objects. Remember that the objects should be related by a theme.

Once you have decided on your theme make sure the objects vary in some way, such as size, shape and/or texture. This will ensure contrast, which will help to create visual interest.

You can see contrast employed in both of the arrangements below, which have:

  • dark and light areas
  • short and tall objects
  • smooth and patterned surfaces.
painting featuring a tall, bright blue jug and fruit standing on a white mat on a wooden table with dark blue fabric as background a still life arrangement featuring, on an old table, a glass bottle, withered flowers and a teddy bear slumped in a corner
The theme of this painting is simply flowers and fruit. Notice how the artist has collected short and tall objects and used both dark and light fabrics. The colours contrast too. The theme of this photograph seems to be memories of the past, which is suggested by the discarded child's toy and dried-up flowers. The photographer has chosen a tall glass bottle which contrasts with the soft teddy bear and the flat surface of the table. Notice how the bear with his red jumper stands out because of the contrast this creates with the other cool colours.