I recently started to get back into painting after many years of not doing it. I had been at one of the top art schools in the 1970s, and I remember being overwhelmed by too many creative options then, especially because during that period, there was almost no direction or training in techniques. One example: an instructor in a particular class told us to get started on a project, and I just sat there at my table for a long while. He came over to me and asked why I didn't get started. I said, "I can't think of anything to do," and he responded, "Maybe you shouldn't even be here then." I look back and know now that was a pretty awful response, especially to a 17-year-old who preferred classical/traditional art. (Traditional methods were pretty much scorned at most east-coast schools in the mid-seventies.)

Your post really resonated with me today, because still life painting has provided me with a wonderful way to return to painting after all these years. You're right... there's no agonizing over what to paint. It's easy to get started by finding a few interesting objects around the house, at the supermarket, or at a local thrift shop (where one can find a variety of unusual vases, silver-plate items, candlesticks, etc). This idea is giving me the practice and discipline to find my way as an artist again.

I have always promoted still life drawing and painting during my 35 year career as a professional art educator...in addition, now that I am retired, I am instructing other adults and we have just begun working with still life. Once they have finished the initial exercises, I plan to have them do their own set-ups using personally meaningful objects...the best art comes from the heart!

I consider myself a beginning art student, and still life painting is my passion. A few years ago I saw a Daniel Keyes Still Life in the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio. I was so inspired that I have dedicated myself to Still Life painting. I have been taking art classes through the community ever since, as I learn Still Life painting. I love being able to paint objects that surround me at home. And, I love doing quick studies like painting an apple and spoon (with a 25 minute timer). There are so many wonderful still life artists. Be sure to check out Daniel Keyes, Carol Marine and Qiang Wuang.

I have looked at many paintings over the years, but this is the first time I've seen one of a stovetop.  Congrats on originality and very good execution as well.

I agree Gateway. Momentary overwhelm does not mean you are not, or shouldn't be an artist. it has nothing to do with it. Go for it! Thankyou Courtney for the lovely article, and giving all who are stuck or perplexed for a moment a yes! gateway.

Hey Courtney,

I have recently returned to painting after taking a break from freelance illustration due to a repetitive strain injury - computer art work took its toll! I was delighted to pick up my brushes and begin with a new medium, for me water-soluble oils, I paint in my kitchen, for it has the best light. I am thrilled with the medium and still lifes are quite liberating. No deadline, no pressure, just the pure joy of seeing what is before me and like you say the freedom to experiment, even with the confines of a still life image. I have set a lofty goal of '49 paintings in my 49th year,' I've begun with still life paintings but they may evolve into something else. Still life painting has indeed been an art-saver for me! Thank you for your post,

Catherine Martha Holmes

Gateway11 - Yes that instructor was terrible. Actually creative people can be extremely indecisive. I went to art school in the 80s and it wasn't much better.. I have always been interested in painting, but abstraction was still being stressed. I really wanted to master realism and to paint bold impressionist strokes. I truly enjoy juicy realism. I majored in illustration instead. I sometimes feel that art school was not a positive influence on me.

Yes starting small to get back into painting is really good advice. I use some of the smaller Raymar panels and set a time limit of about 3 hours. That little bit of success gives me encouragement to keep going.

I just had to comment on your column on still life painting.  I recently completed a project - even received a grant from the Community Fund - for the City of Dearborn where I went into restaurants and painted "portraits" of their food on site.  It was wonderful (mostly) to have a ready made subject and I certainly grew as an artist in terms of painting unfamiliar subjects such as lamb chops, fried foods, sushi and even raw sausages!  

It certainly stretched me as an artist since I had to think quickly about composition, lighting and speed of paint application.  I wasn't always successful with my choices but that was also a learning experience.  And of course being in the middle of a restaurant and conversing with patrons as I painted made me work on my confidence to boot!

So I believe that still life painting is invaluable for the artist for learning, practice, experimenting, or just plain old fun.  Besides, you never know where the experience will lead!

Janet Kondziela

Dearborn Paints - Good Food!

P.S. to gateway11:  What a horrible thing for a teacher to say to any student!  I'm glad that you have returned to painting.  I believe your best years lie ahead.  Happy Painting!