Essential Components of a Still Life
1. Light Source
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Direction: Determines shadow placement (45° angle is ideal)
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Type: Hard (spotlight) vs. Soft (window light)
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Pro Tip: Use a single light source for cohesive shadows
2. Background & Foreground
| Area | Purpose | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Sets depth | Blurred/desaturated tones |
| Middle Ground | Anchors subjects | Medium detail |
| Foreground | Creates entry point for viewer | Sharp edges, warm tones |
3. Subjects & Arrangement
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Overlapping: Place objects partially behind others for depth
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Spacing: Vary distances to avoid “lineup” effect
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Odd Numbers: Groups of 3 or 5 are visually pleasing
Light & Shadow Relationships
☀️ Highlight
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Brightest spot where light hits directly
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Apply: Leave white on glossy surfaces (apples, glass)
🌑 Shadows
| Type | Location | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Form Shadow | On object itself | Soft edges, follows contour |
| Cast Shadow | Surface behind object | Darkest near base, fades outward |
Example: A pear’s form shadow curves with its shape; its cast shadow stretches away from light
Composition Techniques
🎨 Value Structure
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Sketch thumbnail with 3 tones:
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Light (highlight)
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Mid-tone (local color)
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Dark (shadows)
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🖼️ Negative Space
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Use gaps between objects to create interesting shapes
📐 Perspective
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Table edges should converge slightly (1-point perspective)
Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ Flat Lighting → Angle light to create shadows
❌ Cluttered Arrangement → Use the “rule of thirds” grid
❌ Muddy Shadows → Keep shadows transparent (layer don’t smear)
Still Life Setup Checklist
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Choose objects with varied textures (glass, fabric, fruit)
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Position light source at 10 or 2 o’clock
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Place tallest object off-center
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Drape cloth for organic folds
Visual Demo:
Left: Flat lighting
Right: Dynamic shadows