Introduction to Still Life Drawing Basic 6 Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Appraise still life drawing
• Identify different objects suitable for still life
• Sketch still life arrangements

Content

What is Still Life Drawing? Still life drawing is the art of drawing non-living objects that don’t move. The term “still life” means objects that are “still” (not moving) and represent everyday “life.” Artists arrange objects and draw them to practice observation skills, composition, and technique.

History and Importance:

• Used by artists for centuries to develop skills
• Helps artists understand form, light, and shadow
• Teaches patience and careful observation
• Foundation for more complex drawing subjects
• Allows controlled practice environment

Types of Still Life Objects:

Natural Objects:

• Fruits (apples, oranges, bananas)
• Vegetables (peppers, onions, corn)
• Flowers and plants
• Shells and stones
• Branches and leaves

Man-made Objects:

• Pottery and vases
• Books and bottles
• Kitchen utensils
• Musical instruments
• Fabric and clothing
• Tools and equipment

Geometric Objects:

• Spheres (balls)
• Cubes (boxes)
• Cylinders (cans, tubes)
• Cones (ice cream cones)
• Pyramids

Elements to Consider in Still Life:

Composition:

• Rule of Thirds – Placing objects at interesting points
• Balance – Distributing visual weight evenly
• Focal Point – Having one main object of interest
• Variety – Using different shapes, sizes, and textures

Lighting:

• Light Source – Where light comes from (window, lamp)
• Highlights – Brightest areas where light hits directly
• Shadows – Dark areas where light is blocked
• Reflected Light – Soft light bouncing from other surfaces

Form and Shape:

• 3D Form – Making flat drawings look three-dimensional
• Proportion – Correct size relationships between objects
• Perspective – Objects appearing smaller when farther away
• Overlapping – Some objects in front of others

Steps for Still Life Drawing:

1. Setup:

• Choose 3-5 objects of different sizes
• Arrange them with good lighting
• Consider interesting composition
• Ensure stable arrangement

2. Observation:

• Study the arrangement carefully
• Notice shapes, shadows, and proportions
• Identify the main light source
• Plan your drawing approach

3. Basic Shapes:

• Start with simple geometric shapes
• Sketch lightly with basic forms
• Don’t worry about details yet
• Focus on overall proportions

4. Refine Shapes:

• Make shapes more accurate
• Add specific details and contours
• Correct proportions as needed
• Connect objects properly

5. Add Values:

• Identify light, medium, and dark areas
• Add shadows and highlights
• Create form through shading
• Build up values gradually

6. Final Details:

• Add texture and fine details
• Enhance contrasts
• Clean up unwanted lines
• Check overall balance

Drawing Techniques:

Line Drawing:

• Using only outlines and contours
• Good for beginners
• Shows shape and form clearly

Shading Techniques:

• Hatching – Parallel lines for shadows
• Cross-hatching – Crossed lines for darker areas
• Blending – Smooth gradations
• Stippling – Dots for texture

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Making objects too small or large
• Ignoring light source consistency
• Not observing carefully enough
• Getting caught up in details too early
• Poor composition planning

Activities

• Set up simple still life arrangements in class
• Practice drawing basic geometric shapes from observation
• Create still life drawings using different techniques
• Experiment with various lighting conditions
• Critique and improve each other’s work

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Still life drawing focuses on: a) Moving objects b) Non-living, stationary objects c) People only d) Animals only 
2. Which is the best type of object for beginners in still life? a) Complex machinery b) Simple geometric shapes c) Moving water d) Flying birds 
3. The rule of thirds helps with: a) Shading techniques b) Composition and arrangement c) Color mixing d) Drawing speed 
4. When starting a still life drawing, you should first: a) Add all the details b) Start with basic geometric shapes c) Focus on shading d) Draw the background 
5. Good lighting in still life creates: a) No shadows b) Equal light everywhere c) Clear highlights and shadows d) Complete darkness 

Homework

Set up a simple still life arrangement at home using 3 objects of different shapes (like a round fruit, a rectangular book, and a cylindrical cup). Draw this arrangement twice: once focusing only on outlines, and once adding basic shading. Write 3 sentences about what was challenging and what you learned from each drawing.