Still Lifes are paintings you reluctantly enter into as a student. All teachers require them, and for good reasons. An artist can learn almost everything there is to know about painting from still lifes. There is the color, textures, composition, paint handling and much more.

After doing a few I began to enjoy painting them more and more. They have been an invaluable asset to my growth as a painter. Each one is a new challenge and joy. I always end up seeing and learning new things.

Although some still lifes can be set up to have symbolism and tell a story I prefer to see an arrangement of shapes and colors that is, for its own sake pleasing and beautiful to look at.