Still Life Composition and Color Part I

A good composition can really bring a painting to life. It can create a mood, add drama and bring balance to a painting. There is much debate what makes a good composition. Color is only one factor to consider when designing your painting. Before you begin, you should have a concept or idea how your painting will look. Creating a sketch of your idea allows you to analyze your composition better than viewing it in 3 dimensions. This post with focus on the use of color in designing your still life.

Harmonious Color
The overall look of your painting could be based on harmonious colors. They are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. As examples, your objects could be blue/green, greens, and yellow/green.

Example of Harmonious Color

Complementary Color
The use of a complementary color adds vibrancy to a painting. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. You don't want to use equal amounts of each color, rather your dominant color might be oranges with just a touch of blue here and there. Or your painting might be yellows with a touch of purple.

Example of Complementary Color

Whites and a Limited Palette

Painting a grouping of white objects with just a touch of color can make a very pleasing composition. You can play with the different temperature of lights to create interesting color variations. If using a warm light then the lit areas will be whites with warm pinks and oranges and the shadows cool blues and violets. A cool light will have the opposite effect creating cool blues in the lit areas and warm colors in the shadows.

Example of White Composition

A painting becomes cohesive if one color is dominant, whether it is a table of apples scattered around or like colors such as cheeses and bread on a wood table. Limiting the number of colors makes for a cohesive painting.

Example of Cohesive Color

As I said in the beginning, color is only one factor to consider when thinking about your painting idea or concept. Next week I will discuss other things to think about before taking your brush to canvas. Composition can be very challenging and frustrating so just keep playing, have fun and learn from your mistakes. Lord knows I have made plenty.