Still Life

A few months ago I set myself a still life challenge. I decided to paint a still life at the beginning or end of every studio session.

The objects on my table regularly changed to keep me on my painterly toes.

It was a chance for my small collection of teapots, jugs and bowls to come out and be enjoyed.

Pancake Day produced a bowl of lemons and the delivery of five boxes of substitute plums from the supermarket, inspired ‘bowl of plums.’ I even collaged the plum labels on the page before I before I began to paint, giving it a little character.

The arrival of two boxes of flowers for Mothering Sunday, provided subject matter for several pages.

No longer are these paintings quick warm ups but entire sessions.

The creative process is like that. You step out in one direction and it takes over, gently leading you forward in ways you don’t expect.

Friends and I have just had a lovely city break in Bristol. We walked, talked, ate and drank (mainly tea!)

I kept a visual diary of still life sketches in my travel sketchbook to remind us of all the cafes and restaurants we had visited, not to mention all the food and drink we consumed.

I collected all sorts of collage pieces from each place, to use in the sketches: tea labels, wrappers, receipts, stickers, maps and menus

- It’s all fair game and hugely enjoyable.

So What’s next? I am going to get paper, canvas and paints out,
browse through the sketches and see what happens, but that’s for another day.

How about setting yourself a still life challenge next time you need inspiration?

Have fun with fruit, flowers, crockery and keepsakes.

Keep it loose and free and see where it takes you.