We are delighted to share this wonderful collection of still life paintings from our students today, and what a collection it is. From glistening figs on a dark background to a bird’s eye view of aromatic spices, from jewel-bright heirloom tomatoes to the quiet drama of fallen autumn leaves, these pieces remind us of something that artists have known for centuries. The most extraordinary subjects are often the ones closest to hand.
Still life is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in art, and it is easy to understand why. You do not need to travel anywhere or wait for the perfect conditions. You simply look at what is already around you, really look, and suddenly a bowl of tomatoes becomes a study in light and reflection, a handful of spices becomes a richly textured composition full of warmth and colour, and a couple of figs on a dark canvas become something almost luminous. That transformation, from the ordinary to the remarkable, is at the heart of what still life painting is all about.
What is so striking about the work shown here is just how differently each student has interpreted the subject. Some have chosen dramatic, dark backgrounds that make their subjects glow from the canvas. Others have embraced bold, sunny colour and pattern, filling their compositions with energy and joy. One student has taken a wonderfully inventive aerial viewpoint, looking down into a collection of pans and dishes filled with vivid spices and ingredients, the result feeling almost like an abstract composition as much as a representational painting. And a study of four autumn leaves arranged on a pale blue ground shows just how much drama and beauty can be found in something as simple as what has fallen from a tree.
Across all of these pieces, what shines through is the pleasure each artist has taken in really observing their subject. That is the gift that still life gives you. It slows you down, makes you look more carefully, and teaches you to find beauty in the things you might otherwise walk straight past.
If this collection has inspired you, we would love to help you get started. Our dedicated Still Life Certificate Course is a wonderful way to develop your observational skills and explore a wide range of subjects and approaches. Still life also forms a central part of our Drawing and Painting Diploma Course, which takes you through a broad and rewarding programme across many subjects and media. If you are not sure which course would suit you best, do get in touch with us at the college and we will be happy to help you find the right fit.
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