HISTORICAL STILL LIFE
WILLEM KALF (1622-1693)
'Still Life with Drinking Horn', 1653 (oil on canvas) Willem Kalf is recognized as a Dutch master of still life painting choosing to paint objects that represented the luxuries of the wealthy. Many of the objects, like oriental rugs and oranges, symbolized the prosperity of the dutch culture. |
CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE
CINDY WRIGHT
Born in Herentals (Belgium), November 29, 1972 (Lives and works in Antwerp) Alhambra 2012 Oil on linen 39 6/16 x 59 1/16 inches Cindy Wright is a hyperrealistic painter whose painting style is reminiscent of the Flemish Masters. Her work often is categorized as Vanitas. These are still life that symbolized the brevity and vanities of life.
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Overview
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Sketchbook Notes
Although you will only choose 1 medium for this project, you will need to take the sketchbook notes from all 4 media options for use on the exam. Sketchbook Notes are indicated by red lettering. Media Options
Graphite Charcoal Pastels Mixed Media |
Collection of Like Objects
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Reflective Object(s)
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Tell a Story
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Collection Overview - An easy way to create a unified and interesting composition is to collect a group of the same or similar objects. Groupings can be created by object, shape, color, texture, etc. Since objects are the same or similar, take time to check your overall composition. Check the negative space around or in the objects. Do you need more contrast of size, value, color, etc. Try cropping your reference photo in a variety of ways to find the most interesting viewpoint.
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Reflections Overview - Create a still life using objects with reflective surfaces (metal, glass, mirror, plastic, etc.). Reflective surfaces distort images from their surroundings to varying degrees. Even though these images are distorted, there may be some recognizable elements with in the reflection. Metals and mirrors bounce back the surrounding images. Transparent items, like glass, have both a light/color reflecting element and a distorted view of objects behind them. The key to creating a reflective still life is to draw/paint what you actually see without including what you believe the object should look like. Reflective works can range from extremely realistic to very abstract depending on how close you are to the object and the type of reflective material.
How to Paint Reflective Surfaces |
Story Overview - Collect and include objects that tell a story about an event, memory or interest. For example, if you are telling a story about your summer vacation, include clues about where your went and what you did. A trip to Florida might include a plane ticket, map of Florida, Micky Mouse ears, sunglasses, a special ring you wore, seashells, and a beach towel. Other story ideas include the meal you had on a first date, your first car, your favorite Christmas present, etc. Think of the objects as clues for the observer who is trying to "read" your story.
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