Still Life, a strong foundation.

I have been drawing and painting since 1999 and the years have taught me a lot of things, albeit the hard way.  There is no shortcut to success, and strong foundations are essential to succeed. A building built on weak foundations cannot last long and cannot be built high. 

The strongest foundation for art is created by doing still-life practice. Boring as it may sound it is the only way to mastering drawing, perfecting your lines, and developing your sense of composition. 

Still-life practice does not really require much- the things in your home are enough. Simply pick up 4-5 items, place them in front of you, and off you start!

A few points to be mindful of:-

1).  You can definitely google search still-life set ups done by other artists for ideas and inspiration, but do not copy their artwork. Set up your own objects, and draw what you see. Drawing correctly may initially seem difficult, but that is the right way to learn. Copying somebody else's work will not get you far (it may seem easier, but that's trying a shortcut to success). The process is important here, not the outcome. 

2). Try to set up things you find at home, which belong to you/ your family members - things you can relate to ! For e.g., tubes of paint, holder with brushes/ pencils and books. Or chopping board, knife and fruits. Or maybe your favourite coffee cup, a newspaper, and a few pens/ small curios. Your child's teddy, her satchel, and her water bottle. Your old worn out hand-bag, fav sandals,and scarf you got as a gift. Small things that tell a story, memories that you want to preserve. 

3). Write a line about what you drew, and what it means to you. This will help develop your thought process and ability to express your ideas through art, much much later some day. 

4). Have a little sketch book, and always date your work. Do not use loose papers. This helps you to see your own improvement over a period of time. It will inspire you, and others some day.  However amateurish your work may seem, make it a point to share it with at least close family and friends, through FB/ Instagram or maybe even WhatsApp. 

5). Set aside time for this practice regularly, like you do for yoga, or reading, or any other serious hobby.  Even after so many years into art, I start my week with a proper big still life practice (in watercolour), and do 1-2 more small, quick pen sketches during the week. 

You can view my still life practices here.

- SAGARIKA