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Still life scenes are perfect for learning how light works and how to design an interesting composition. The controlled environment means you do not need to worry about the changing environment, the wind blowing your canvas or your subject moving. You can have as much control as you need with a still life scene so you can focus on actually drawing or painting it.
Still life inspiration is all around us. You can litterally draw or paint any subject. The main things you need to consider when selecting a still life scene is light and composition.
You do not need your still life to have any hidden meaning. You could use a milk jug, a chair, a cup, a coffee pot - it does not matter.
If you are struggling for creative still life ideas to draw or paint, then here are 25 of them to spark your inspiration:
Still Life Idea 1 - Crabs
These paintings of crabs by Vincent van Gogh are a stunning demonstration of color. The intense greens contrast nicely against the reds and oranges. The crabs also comprise of many varied shapes which create interesting light effects.
Still Life Idea 2 - A Lobster
Much like the crabs by Vincent van Gogh above, the lobster also has many varied shapes which can be interesting to draw or paint. The vibrant orange is also a great color to contrast against a cooler background.
Still Life Idea 3 - A Skull
The skull is a classic still life scene which everyone should have an attempt at drawing or painting. You do not need an actual skull of course - you could use a photo or a plastic model.
You are also not limited to a human skull. Animal skulls would also work fine.
Still Life Idea 4 - Your Art Supplies
What better to draw or paint than your own art supplies. This can make for a very personal and unique artwork.
Still Life Idea 5 - A Leg Of Ham
A leg of ham can be an interesting subject with many varied shapes and flesh tones. If you are struggling with the flesh tones in portrait painting, then try painting a leg of ham still life.
Still Life Idea 6 - A Flower Vace
The classic flower vase is a perfect demonstration of color and light. Flower vace paintings can vary significantly based on the type of flowers you decide to use.
Still Life Idea 7 - Apples
The circular shape of apples make them perfect for studying light.
Still Life Idea 8 - A Fish
If you are having fish for dinner, then take a photo before you dig in as it can be a great still life to draw or paint. Felix Vallotton creates an interesting composition using a fish, lemon and herbs on top of a light background.
Still Life Idea 9 - A Coffee Pot
Everyone has a coffee pot lying around. The silver or brass makes for interesting reflections which can be a great challenge for beginners.
Still Life Idea 10 - Red Peppers
If you want something more challenging than an apple, then try painting peppers. Their shapes are more varied, making them more difficult to draw or paint.
Still Life Idea 11 - A Basket Of Cherries
If you want to challenge yourself by painting a large quantity of small subjects, then try painting a basket of cherries.
Still Life Idea 12 - A Fish Tank
A fish tank, either empty or full, can make for an interesting composition. You do not need to include the fish in your artwork.
Still Life Idea 13 - A Shell
If you plan on going to the beach, then keep an eye out for whole shells as they make for fantastic subjects to draw or paint.
Still Life Idea 14 - A Branch With Leaves
This is one of the more simple and accessable still life ideas. Just venture outside and grab a branch with leaves. Each branch will be different, so you can paint this subject over and over.
Still Life Idea 15 - A Chair
Whilst not the most interesting subject, it is easy to set up and many of the famous artists seem to have painted a chair.
Still Life Idea 16 - Chops
Much the same as the leg of ham. The unique shapes of chops can make for an interesting subject to draw or paint.
Still Life Idea 17 - A Pot Plant
If you do not have any vibrant flower vaces around, then you could try using a simple pot plant.
Still Life Idea 18 - A Biliard Room
A biliard room makes for an interesting composition. However this is a complex scene to draw or paint, so this is reserved for more advanced artists.
Still Life Idea 19 - Your Living Room
If you are lacking inspiration, then get out your sketchbook and start drawing your living room. It does not need to be a masterpeice.
Still Life Idea 20 - An Open Book
An easy still life scene for beginners is an open book. It does present some challenges in perspective and light.
Still Life Idea 21 - A Bowl And Milk Jug
Another easy still life scene for beginners is a bowl and milk jug.
Still Life Idea 22 - A Piano
If you have a piano, it can make for an interesting still life subject, with varied shapes and subtle reflections.
Still Life Idea 23 - Your Art Studio
What better place for inspiration than your own art studio (if you have one). Depending on how much you include in the scene, this could be as simple or complex as you like.
Still Life Idea 24 - A Bird's Nest
A bird's nest makes for an interesting subject, if you can find and photograph one like Vincent van Gogh was able to. Or you could just find a photograph on the internet or a book of a bird's nest.
Still Life Idea 25 - A Statuette
If you want to venture into any kind of portrait work, then you should draw or paint a statuette. They are perfect for studying the human anatomy and how light interacts with it.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed these creative still life ideas to draw or paint. Some of these ideas are perfect for beginners and some should be reserved for more advanced artists.
What I want you to learn from this post is that you can use anything as inspiration. The main thing you need to consider with still life scenes is light and composition.
If you have any creative still life ideas you would like to add, please share them in the comment section below.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate it! Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my Painting Academy course.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
JOAN SPECKING says
Great ideas! I have been experimenting with still life….bowl of tomatoes of different colors from the garden – you have given me more to try! Thank you.
Belinda says
Thank you, this has definitely helped me out of a locked mindset. Lots of good ideas and inspiring examples.
Do you have any suggestions for a starting point into a painting when using collected sketches made in the landscape. how to overcome the fear of starting?
Dan Scott says
Hi Belinda!
I find that by doing a quick sketch or staining the canvas is the easiest way to just get things started.
Dan