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Paint a still life

Paint a still life
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Arrange simple objects, observe shapes and shadows, then paint a still life using watercolors or acrylics to practice observation, color mixing, and composition.

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Step-by-step guide to paint a still life

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How To Paint Portraits From Life

What you need
3 to 5 simple objects to paint, adult supervision required, cup of water, eraser, paintbrushes, palette or plate, paper or canvas, paper towel or rag, pencil, tape, watercolor or acrylic paints

Step 1

Arrange 3 to 5 simple objects on a table so they touch or overlap and make different heights for an interesting picture.

Step 2

Place a lamp or move the setup near a window so one side is brighter and casts clear shadows.

Step 3

Look carefully at the arrangement for one minute to notice each object's basic shape and where the shadows fall.

Step 4

Tape your paper to the table so it stays still while you draw and paint.

Step 5

Lightly sketch the large shapes of the objects on your paper with a pencil without adding small details.

Step 6

Mix a light color on your palette for the background using water if you are using watercolors or a little water for acrylics.

Step 7

Use a large brush to paint a smooth wash for the background around the objects and let it flow evenly.

Step 8

Mix the main color for each object on your palette so you have the basic hues ready.

Step 9

Paint the big color shapes of each object with a medium brush, staying inside your pencil sketch lines.

Step 10

Look for the darkest shadow areas and add a darker mix there to show form and depth.

Step 11

Add small highlights with a lighter color or by lifting paint to show where the light hits the objects.

Step 12

Let your painting dry completely before touching it or adding more layers.

Step 13

Rinse your brushes in the water cup until the water runs clear.

Step 14

Sign your painting in a corner so everyone knows you made it.

Step 15

Take a photo of your still life painting and share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use instead of a lamp, palette, or watercolor/acrylic paints?

If you don't have a lamp, palette, or water-based paints, use a bright window or phone flashlight for lighting, a paper plate as a palette, washable tempera or markers to mix background washes and object colors, and secure the paper with masking tape or a heavy book instead of tape.

My background wash looks blotchy—how can I fix it?

If the large background wash (steps 6–7) becomes blotchy or puddled, thin the paint with more water, work quickly with a large brush in even strokes across the taped paper, and tilt or blot excess with a paper towel before it dries to get a smooth wash.

How should I change the activity for younger or older children?

For preschoolers simplify to 2–3 big objects, washable tempera and a large brush and help taping the paper, while older kids can use 4–5 overlapping objects, mix subtler shadow hues (step 9), and add extra layers after drying for more realism (steps 10–11).

How can my child extend or personalize their still life after finishing it?

To personalize and extend the project try changing the light direction during the session (step 2) to paint multiple versions, add patterned fabric under the objects (step 1) for interest, experiment with lifting paint for highlights (step 11), and write a caption before photographing and sharing on DIY.org (step 13).

Watch videos on how to paint a still life

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Facts about still life painting

🌗 "Chiaroscuro" is an Italian word meaning "light-dark" — artists use it to turn flat shapes into dramatic, 3D-looking objects with shadows.

🖌️ Acrylic paint dries quickly and became popular with artists in the 1950s, so it's great when you want fast color fixes and bold strokes.

🧪 Mix two complementary colors (like red + green) and you usually get a brown or gray — a handy trick to make natural-looking shadows.

🎯 Placing your main object off-center using the "rule of thirds" often makes a still life feel more balanced and exciting to look at.

🎨 Watercolor paint uses a water-soluble binder (like gum arabic) and can be re-wet and reworked after it dries — perfect for playful layers!

How do you paint a still life with children?

Start by choosing 3–6 simple objects and arranging them on a table with interesting overlaps and spacing. Place a single light source to create clear shapes and shadows. Have the child make a quick pencil sketch to capture basic proportions. Block in large color areas with watered-down watercolors or thinned acrylics, then build layers, refine edges, and add highlights and deeper shadows last, letting layers dry between steps.

What materials do I need to paint a child-friendly still life?

Gather simple items: 3–6 objects (fruit, mugs, toys), a table or tray, and a single lamp for consistent light. You’ll also need pencil and eraser, watercolor paper or a canvas board, watercolor or acrylic paints, a few brushes (round and flat), a palette or plate, water jars, paper towels, masking tape, and an apron. Use non-toxic, washable paints and put down newspaper to protect surfaces.

What ages is painting a still life suitable for?

Painting still life works for children roughly ages 5 and up. Preschoolers (about 3–5) can enjoy arranging shapes and making color washes with close supervision. Ages 5–8 can practice basic sketching, color blocking, and simple shadows. Ages 9–12 and teens can focus on composition, perspective, and color mixing. Adjust complexity, materials, and supervision to each child’s motor skills and attention span.

What are the benefits of painting still lifes with kids?

Painting still life boosts observation, fine motor skills, and color awareness as kids learn to notice shapes, values, and relationships. It builds patience, planning, and confidence when they compose and finish a piece. Regular practice improves color mixing and brush control, while the calm, focused process supports concentration and creativity. It’s also a flexible activity for solo practice or family art time.
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