How to Draw a Still Life with Pencil and Watercolor: How to Choose the Color Palette and How to Place the Objects

Learning the basics of fine art begins with transferring everyday, everyday things onto paper. In French the term still life literally means "dead nature". It goes without saying that depicting stationary objects is a simpler task for the novice artist.

Let's look at a few simple techniques on how to teach beginners how to draw still life in pencil step by step.

Two rules

The correct depiction of objects depends on the ability to choose and place them correctly.

It is possible to cope with this task if:

first, the objects of the composition are united by subject matter, and
secondly, correctly placed in the space.

Another thing to consider is the format of the image. It can be of three kinds:

horizontal;
vertical;
round.

Depending on the format, the composition is also formed. The horizontal format accommodates a large number of subjects, but in order to create a harmonious drawing it is necessary to draw a drapery in the background.

The circular version is the most uncomfortable to depict and, therefore, for the training of novice artists is practically not used.

The vertical arrangement implies the presence of a small number of objects. Most often such a composition is composed of jugs or vases with flowers.

Ways of placing objects

And in this case, there are three options for arranging the things depicted - by the triangle method, in a circle, and diagonally.

Take note! Items lined up in a row will make the drawing boring and of little appeal.

In a triangular arrangement, the top of the geometric figure is formed by the largest object, smaller items are placed at its base.

Objects can partially overlap each other, gaps between them are allowed.

Important! Do not overload the composition. Use no more than three different sizes of objects. Correctly aimed at the composition of the light - one of the important points, which will help to correctly place accents on the picture.

Color Palette.

Experienced painters know that there is such a rule of combination of colors, as the law of three colors. But beginners will have to explain that it is necessary to choose two or three primary colors, and as a complement to use their shades.

This is especially important when you have to draw a still life with fruit or a vase with a bunch of flowers. There should be two dominant colors in such paintings. For example, red apples and yellow pears or white daisies and cornflowers of heavenly color.

Important! Excessive mottling should be avoided, as it tires the eye and distracts from the main idea that the artist wanted to convey.

Drawing with a pencil

Initial training in fine art begins with the development of skills in depicting sketches with simple tools.

Before drawing a still life with a pencil, you should prepare:

A sharpener and a rubber band;
simple pencils;
piece of paper.

Work progress:

Successful design of a still life in pencil depends on consistent adherence to the steps of the work:

Step #1. The horizon line is drawn on the paper. The image should be placed in the center of the sheet. It is necessary to leave space at the top, so it will be seen that the objects are placed on a flat surface.

Step #2. Measure the dimensions of the individual parts of the composition, that way you can observe the proportions of the objects.

Step #3. Any object can be represented in the form of a geometric figure. It is important to correctly transfer the shape of objects and their size (keeping proportions) on a sheet of paper.

Step #4. Once the proportions of all the elements of the composition are defined, it is necessary to erase auxiliary lines and draw the contours of individual parts of the picture clearly. It is necessary to highlight the central area of the picture most clearly and brightly.

Step #5. Properly applied shading adds volume to the picture. For this, large spots are marked with outlines, and shadows and highlights are highlighted very accurately and carefully. Draping requires special attention. Without its proper design, the still life will not come to life.

Shadow painting is not a difficult process, but it takes constant practice to master it perfectly. Experienced teachers devote several lessons to this point, and train them until they can convey the folds of matter accurately enough on paper.

Main detail

Successful work on a still life is impossible without identifying the dominant detail of the composition. It must be emphasized either by size, or form, or color. It is especially important when painting a decorative still life. It differs from its pictorial analogue by the peculiar beauty of lines and contours of the object depicted. The creation of such still lifes is a peculiar stylization of the form and color of the object.

Tools and materials required

Working with paints is more complicated type of activity than the process of still life drawing with pencil. It is performed only after the basic techniques of working with simple tools are mastered.

Successful work depends on proper preparation. In order to successfully draw a still life with watercolor you should have at hand:

Paper of format A 4 (preferably Watman).
Several brushes. At least three brushes of different sizes and made of synthetic material.
One medium-sized brush made of bristles.
Pencils. They are needed on the initial stage of work. It is better to use soft types, as they can leave hardly visible outlines, which can be easily removed.
A container for water.
A sharpener and rubber band.
Paint. It is better to buy the material in specialized stores. It is not necessary to buy expensive branded products, simply buying the material at retail outlets that do not specialize in the sale of painting supplies is undesirable.

When using watercolor paints you should remember that they become lighter after drying. That's why you should make colors more saturated.

Stages of work with watercolor

For beginners, you can offer an image of vegetables lying on the table - cucumber, eggplant, carrots:

Sketch with a simple pencil. Try to make the lines slightly visible.
Start working with paints. It is necessary to choose one subject. For example, we start painting a cucumber - its surface is covered with green paint. Before the watercolor dries, it should be darkened.
The second object (carrot) is painted. The process is exactly the same as with the cucumber, only with orange paint.
When painting the eggplant, purple watercolor should be used.
At this stage of the work, you should add darker shades to the vegetables, so they will look more realistic.
Add a dark green tail to the eggplant and a light green top to the carrot.

The shadows are applied horizontally, thus "eliminating" the feeling that the vegetables are "hanging" in the air.

It remains to wait for the paint to dry completely and the drawing is ready.

Like any pedagogical process, teaching the basics of painting should be based on the following points:

theoretical knowledge;
repetition of what has been learned in practice;
constant practice;
Careful adherence to the established rules.

Observance of the abovementioned principles will help the teacher to achieve the goal - to teach the students the skills of still life creation and the proper representation of objects on canvas or paper.