12 Simple Still Life Painting Ideas for Beginners

Still life painting is one of the best ways to start your painting journey. It helps you understand shapes, light, shadows, and color without the pressure of perfect realism. With simple objects and a relaxed approach, beginners can create beautiful artwork while building confidence and skill.

If you’re just starting out, grab your brushes, a few basic colors, and let’s explore 12 simple still life painting ideas that are perfect for beginners.

1. Fruit Bowl on a Table

Apples, bananas, or oranges are classic still life subjects. Their simple shapes and bold colors make them ideal for practicing blending, highlights, and shadows.

2. Single Flower in a Vase

A single bloom allows you to focus on form and color without feeling overwhelmed. Experiment with soft backgrounds and loose brushstrokes for a calming effect.

3. Coffee Mug Still Life

A mug is a great object to learn about curves, reflections, and shadows. Add steam or a simple tabletop to make it feel warm and inviting.

4. Books Stacked Together

Books offer strong shapes and straight lines, making them perfect for beginners. Play with different cover colors and light falling across the pages.

5. Simple Kitchen Objects

Paint everyday items like spoons, bowls, or jars. These familiar objects help you observe real-life proportions while keeping the composition minimal.

6. Candle and Light Study

A candle still life teaches you how light works. Practice glowing effects, soft shadows, and contrast between light and dark areas.

7. Glass Bottle or Jar

Glass objects may look challenging, but they’re great for learning reflections and transparency. Keep the background simple for best results.

8. Potted Plant

Leaves are forgiving and fun to paint. A small plant lets you practice greens, textures, and organic shapes without worrying about perfection.

9. Fruit Cut in Half

Cut fruits like oranges or apples reveal interesting textures and patterns. This idea helps you explore detail while keeping the subject simple.

10. Stationery Still Life

Paint pencils, notebooks, or paintbrushes arranged casually. This theme feels creative and relatable, especially for artists.

11. Minimalist Object Pair

Choose two simple objects like a cup and an apple and place them together. Fewer elements help beginners focus on balance and composition.

12. Painted Object with Details

Once you feel confident, add small details or outlines to your still life using paint pens. This step adds clarity and gives your artwork a polished look without making it complicated.

Tips for Beginner Still Life Painters

• Start with simple compositions and limited colors
  

• Focus on basic shapes before adding details
  

• Use light, loose brushstrokes perfection is not the goal
  

• Practice often and enjoy the process
  

Using reliable materials can make learning more enjoyable. Drawlish Acrylic Paints offer rich pigments and smooth blending, making them beginner-friendly and versatile for still life painting. For fine details, outlines, and accents, Drawlish Paint Pens are an easy way to enhance your artwork with clean, controlled strokes.

Both are available at Drawlish.com, making it easy for beginners to get everything they need in one place.