While a well-executed painting of a lovely but simple flower or fruit arrangement is interesting in itself because of it’s aesthetic qualities, you may want to try and say something more with your still life arrangement. Here are a few prompts for inspiration on what to paint:
- Classic combinations: Think of what goes with wine and you probably came up with a bunch of grapes or cheese. Another traditional combination is strawberries and champaign or peaches and cream.
- The sentimental object: You may have at home a small ornament or vase, which was handed down to you or you have owned since childhood. The memories you associate with this object can make painting it a powerful experience.
- Type of flower and symbolism: When a friend of mine received a red rose from her boss she was somewhat disturbed. Any other colour, yellow, white - even pink would be an appropriate ‘thank you’ for your hard work, but a red rose in western culture is linked to romance. What is your favourite flower, what colour is it, and what does it mean to you as well as the wider community who will view your art work?
- Cultural connection: You may have a ceramic piece in the style of a specific culture such as a wooden African bowl, heavy iron Japanese teapot or Chinese plate. You can further enhance the cultural connection your object has with your choice of accompanying fruit. For example; I may put a peach on my Chinese plate as it can be associated with longevity in that culture. Another way to make a cultural connection would be to paint an alter or religious offering arrangement.
- In season: What is being harvested this month? You could theme your still life according to what’s fresh and available in Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring. You may also choose combinations indigenous to a certain area such as by featuring purely tropical fruit. When choosing fruit think about how each fruit compliments and contrasts it's neighbour aesthetically in terms of colour and texture.
- Physical sensation associations: Looking at the hot chilli makes my mouth burn and the sweet cherry is so sumptuous and decadent it makes my mouth water. You can enhance the sensual properties of food with the other objects in your composition by paying attention to their design and the materials from which they are made. For example I would match the deep red cherry with an expensive and ornate silver platter.
- Direct from nature: Try painting the fruit on it’s branch. The leaves surrounding a fruit not only add extra texture and colour but also suggest freshness. Having the leaves reminds us that the fruit is a gift of the earth.
- Beauty in ordinary: Ever look at objects on the windowsill with the light shining in or even your cup of tea and burnt toast and think ‘that would make an interesting painting’. It may be that pile of toys strewn across your child's bedroom floor or perhaps you are out at a cafe and you notice the used dishes on the abandoned table next to you are somehow aesthetically pleasing. Why not have a go at painting it?
- Hobbies or interest: A musician may want to include their instrument and the painter their brushes in a still life artwork. These things say something about the personality and experience of their owner.
- Tell a story: The combination of heels, lipstick and cocktail dress suggest a special night for example.
- Non-typical arrangement: Your composition may be more interesting if you arrange the object in a non-traditional way. You may slice your citrus, take a bite out of the apple, perhaps one of your flowers petals has fallen to the table or the vase has a crack. These are all points of interest.
if you have any ideas to add to this list please share them in the comments section below.