Kids learn to create a fall themed still life using mixed media. This project requires only a few supplies and is easily completed at home or in the classroom.
What does “still life” mean in Art?
A still life is a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which are either natural or man-made.
Drawing from still life gives kids an opportunity to practice drawing dimensional shapes onto a flat piece of paper. Still life drawings allow artists to use everyday items to practice reproducing shadows, highlights, lines, and various mediums in their work of art.
Related: Practice drawing objects using contour drawing.
Supplies Needed to Make a Fall Still Life Art Project
- Fall Gourd Assortment – or other fall items
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Paints
- Additional Colored Mediums of Choice – crayons, colored pencils, acrylic paints or paint pens, markers, etc.
- Pencil
- Fine Tip Permanent Maker
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
- Optional: Focused Light Source – lamp, flashlight, etc.
Directions to Make a Fall Still Life
Step 1
First, arrange items for still life display. Vary number of objects and closeness (overlapping) based on individual artist’s skill level.
Optional: Dim lights in room and place a lamp near still life arrangement. This additional step can help artists focus on the still life arrangement and better see shadows and highlights.
Step 2
Next, use a pencil to lightly block in loose shapes of objects. The aim here is to work on object placement and size. We will define the drawing and erase these guidelines in a later step.
Step 3
Using a pencil, better define sketch of object shapes and details.
This is when I remind kids to focus on only drawing what they see. If they cannot see an item that they know is hidden from sight, then they do not add it to their drawing. Each person’s viewpoint and style is different so they should expect their drawings to be different as well.
Step 4
Then, use a fine tipped permanent marker to outline sketch. Erase any unwanted guidelines and pencil marks.
Step 5
Begin using dry mediums to add color to the drawing.
Note: Artists do not have to begin with the dry mediums, this is simply a personal preference to cut down on project time.
Step 6
Next, begin to layer watercolors or other paints and mediums onto the project.
Step 7
Continue to explore and layer mediums to complete the still life project.
Finished Fall Still Life Art Project
I love to use seasonal items to practice still life techniques! Since these projects are made on paper, they are easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Fall Still Life Art Project
I love the little seasonal gourd variety packs that are available this time of year. I always buy a pack or two for my students to practice various still life techniques. It’s a wonderful chance for them to explore new mediums and practice drawing 3D objects.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Fall Gourd Assortment – or other fall items
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Paints
- Additional Colored Mediums of Choice – crayons, colored pencils, acrylic paints or paint pens, markers, etc.
- Pencil
- Fine Tip Permanent Maker
Tools
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
- Optional: Focused Light Source – lamp, flashlight, etc.
Instructions
- Arrange items for still life display. Vary number of objects and closeness (overlapping) based on individual artist’s skill level. Optional: Dim lights in room and place a lamp near still life arrangement more more intense lighting.
- Use a pencil to lightly block in loose shapes of objects. The aim here is to work on object placement and size.
- Using a pencil, better define sketch of object shapes and details.
- Use a fine tipped permanent marker to outline sketch. Erase any unwanted guidelines and pencil marks.
- Use dry mediums to add color to the drawing. Note: Artists do not have to begin with the dry mediums, this is simply a personal preference to cut down on project time.
- Begin to layer watercolors or other paints and mediums onto the project.
- Continue to explore and layer mediums to complete the still life project.
Notes
Fall Still life Art Variation
- Change still life objects to reflect any season or holiday.
- Use only one medium to complete the project.
- Complete drawing using pastels on black paper.
- Have kids draw various pictures from different viewpoints of the still life objects.
Fall Still life Art Variation
- Change still life objects to reflect any season or holiday.
- Use only one medium to complete the project.
- Complete drawing using pastels on black paper.
- Have kids draw various pictures from different viewpoints of the still life objects.
Other Fun Mixed Media Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy drawing a fall still life? What items did you use in your display?
