How to Set Up a Still Life

I've been having a lot of fun the last few days collecting various objects to fill my shelves in the studio to have lots and lots of props for our still life classes.  Neighbors have cleaned out their closets, a few treasures were found at yard sales, and Goodwill and Thrift stores have been great.

I finished building the last couple of storage and display shelves, unpacked my treasures and started setting up a few still lifes for inspiration.

  When setting up a still life, I look at several elements: color, size of elements, number of elements, horizontal or vertical composition, the pattern and lines that are formed, how the light works across the still life, and how the objects react to each other - their surfaces change depending on what they are next to, on top of, or holding inside.

I really like taking a quick photo to see how the set up translates into 2D.   Even on just a camera viewfinder or an iphone, you can see issues with composition or lighting pretty easily.

Seven work stations are all ready!!

And I started another tree painting.  This is slightly larger than the Japanese maple tree painting that just sold.

I am building up the surface the same way - lots of texture and layers, a little bit of copper leaf to reflect the light.

(I don't know why pictures are loading sideways lately!)

Studio Shelves are Being Built!

I'm excited to share a little progress made in the studio today! However it's not a painting - it's shelving for individual work stations and supply storage.

I love the studio - there is SO much space, great light and a lot of walls to display work.  However, after a year of showing my work in that space, I have only sold one small original painting during that time from showing it on those walls. Truth is: the space is great for creating and teaching, not so much for selling (partly because it is on the second floor...no window shopping!)

A few weeks ago, I visited a studio where my mother is taking classes in Western New York.  There was one room that really struck me as a great painting space - the walls were lined with individual cubby holes for still life set-ups, and artists had work stations in front of each spot.

The whole room made me want to paint - the work stations, the wall-to-wall colorful props waiting to be utilized in a unique still life, the fact that you had storage for all of your supplies...and that you were part of a group of artists all painting together.

So this week I (with the help of one of my fellow artists!) Started to build a similar set up in my studio.  I will be losing wall space, but very little floor space, and I will be gaining work stations, still-life display areas, and LOTS of storage!

So that's just the first wall!  The large square will be where artists can set up their personal displays - they are about 3' square, so you can imagine tall displays or long displays.  There are spots for folding chairs and folding tables to be tucked out of the way, and lots of shelves for storing a myriad of glass, flowers, knick knacks, pots and fabric to use in our still life set ups.

The second wall should be done this week, with an additional 4 work stations and lots more storage for paintings and supplies. Happy dance :)

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