Exploring Still Lifes

Simple Pictures Are Best

written by Nancy Willard, illustrated by Tomie dePaola

A still life is a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which may be either natural (food, flowers, dead animals, plants, rocks, or shells) or man-made (drinking glasses, books, vases, jewelry, coins, pipes, and so on).  Some still life paintings or photographs are very simple while others are full of objects and detail. 

Share some famous still lifes from various periods of history and different media used.  Then give each person or set of partners the same objects and have each unit arrange their own still life. Have them photograph, draw, or paint their composition.  Display the art with comments of the artists and those who viewed the finished pieces.  Variation: Have each person or set of partners choose the same number of things according to a chosen theme.