How to Paint Dramatic Still Lifes
Create Drama in Paintings Using Contrast, Tension & Storytelling
Sep 21, 2009
Since correcting mistakes a painting is very difficult to do, the artist needs to plan the still life painting with drama in mind from the very beginning. Here’s how to paint dramatic still life art in a few simple steps.
Tension in Fine Art
Every play must have its players. The same is true for still life paintings. Every item in the painting must tell a story that is like watching theater production to involve the viewer. The artist needs to plan out the players carefully by arranging and rearranging the items before the first sketch or stroke of paint begins.
To create drama, there must be tension between the players. To create tension the artist can use opposing textures, colors and shapes to keep the eye moving around the image.
For example, in the first painting below (click on the image to enlarge it and to show more detail), the artist has placed a smooth, refined tea pot on the right side of the composition. On the left side there is a spilled pot of flowers. These two opposing concepts create tension.
Storytelling in a Still Life
Once there is tension in a painting, the players should start a dialog.
In the example from before, the tea pot has also been placed so that it is, in a way, pointing at the spilled pot. This positioning can influence the viewer to imagine what may have happened in the story the still life painting trying to tell. Even if the viewers may not interpret the story correctly, they are still interacting with the painting, which is a worthy goal.
To make this interaction happen, the artist should play with their still life objects as if they were playing with dolls. Creating an interaction with the pieces will give the painting life and drama all its own.
Color Contrast in Paintings
Contrast is a form of tension that is achieved by using colors on opposite sides of the color wheel or by using a light hue next to a dark hue.
For example, though the second painting below isn't a still life it makes a good demonstration of tension through contrast. The artist used a black stripe against bright blue and gold. This contrast brings the eye from the center of the painting to the top and bottom and then back again.
Putting the Drama Elements Together
To create these types of drama, the artist can ask these questions before starting a still life painting:
- What colors can be tweaked in the painting?
- Could the background become darker or lighter to improve contrast with the objects in the still life?
- How can the “players” interact more?
- Is the composition telling a story?
These still life tips will help the artist create a better painting by focusing on inviting the viewer to interact with the painting.
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