Mastering Still Life: Paul Cézanne and the Art of Composition
Discover the intriguing world of still life through the eyes of renowned artists like Paul Cézanne and Pieter Claesz. In his revolutionary view, Cézanne declared, “I will astonish Paris with an apple,” transforming simple objects into complex shapes and forms. This guide highlights key techniques used in paintings, such as exploring composition through thumbnail sketches, emphasizing depth with highlights and shadows, and understanding negative space. Follow essential steps to create your masterpiece, ensuring your artwork flows seamlessly and captures the essence of still life.
Mastering Still Life: Paul Cézanne and the Art of Composition
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Presentation Transcript
The Still Life “I will astonish Paris with an Apple.” -Paul Cezanne
Dutch Vanitas Paintings Pieter Claesz, Still Life with Wine Glass and Silver Bowl, c 1630, Staatliche Museum, Berlin
Some hints….. • Highlights and shadows add depth • Wayne Theibaud (1920)
While others saw fruit on a table, Cezanne saw SHAPES. “Reproduce nature in terms of the cylinder and the sphere and the cone.”
Negative Space is a Positive Thing… • Use it to help find shape relationship.
Requirements/Steps • FIRST: Make 3 thumbnail sketches exploring the best composition. You must have the image running off of at least 3 of the sides. • SECOND: gather drawing board and suface- SKETCH image onto surface • THIRD: Do not get out paints until the first two steps are completed.
While painting: • Work BACK to FRONT • Work Dark to LIGHT