Fall Still Life Art Project for Kids


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. 

Use seasonal objects for a fun still life project

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.

Kiddle

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 still life supplies include mixed mediums such at watercolor, colored pencils, acrylic paint, etc. kids activities blog
Bring out various art mediums for this 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

step 1 - 3 gourds set together on a table near a lamp for still life demonstration - kids activities blog
First, arrange items for still life display

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

step 2 - using a pencil to loosely draw objects in still life - kids activities blog
Loosely Block in object shapes and placement

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

step 3- using a pencil to define still life sketch - kids activities blog
Define sketch to better reflect shapes of the still life objects

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

step 4 - outline sketch with permanent marker and erase unwanted pencil lines - kids activities blog
Outline sketch using a fine tipped permanent marker before erasing guidelines

Then, use a fine tipped permanent marker to outline sketch. Erase any unwanted guidelines and pencil marks.

Step 5

step 5 - using colored pencils to add color to the sketch - kids activities blog
Begin using dry mediums to add color to the drawing

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

step 6 - adding wet mediums, such as paint, to the project. kids activities blog.
Add watercolors or other paints to the project

Next, begin to layer watercolors or other paints and mediums onto the project.

Step 7

step 7 - boy using colored pencils to add multiple players to still life project - kids activities blog
Continue adding layers of mediums to complete the project

Continue to explore and layer mediums to complete the still life project.

Finished Fall Still Life Art Project

completed fall still life mixed media projects using colored pencils watercolor, pen, etc. kids activities blog
Our Completed Fall Still Life Masterpieces!

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

  1. 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.
  2. Use a pencil to lightly block in loose shapes of objects. The aim here is to work on object placement and size.
  3. Using a pencil, better define sketch of object shapes and details.
  4. Use a fine tipped permanent marker to outline sketch. Erase any unwanted guidelines and pencil marks.
  5. 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.
  6. Begin to layer watercolors or other paints and mediums onto the project.
  7. 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?



Source link

About The Author

Scroll to Top