Candy Still-Life Paintings

Last year I had a revelation when I was getting ready to have my Painting students begin their first painting assignment for our still-life unit. I was digging through my still life objects and thinking about how sick I was of painting them- don't get me wrong, there is obviously a ton of benefit from having students work directly from a still life set up in the classroom- and I still set one up every semester for my Introductory classes when they learn how to use charcoal..but..I was tired of having my painting students use the same objects.  I've gotten some pretty amazing still life paintings over the years...

still-life by Jimmy

Still Life by McKenzie

Stuffed Bird Still life by Natalie

..but I needed a change. I wanted to keep it light and have students bring in some more color. The Candy Still-life project was born.

I bring in a some candy and invite my students to do the same if there is something particular they want to paint

Students will then set up a still-life with the candy on their desks

I invite them to think of creative compositions

            

some finished products- by Jillian. I love her color combinations here.

by Jacquelyn

peeps..are always good subjects- by Emma

Have to be honest- this is my favorite! By Kara. I love the narrative she has set up here.

Samantha wanted to challenge herself by including a mason jar

Talia liked the idea of them in motion..I love this too!

 It's been really fun and the still-life seems less of a chore. I always love seeing the unexpected things students will do with these.