BobBlast 608 - "Elements of a Still Life, Part One"

Описание: Weekly BobBlast Issue 608
Elements of a Still Life, Part One

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

What is a still life? It is one moment in time… a story. The story caught by someone capable to draw and paint that moment. Think of our earliest known still life, Lascaux Cave art… one moment, telling a story—an observation and “this is what I saw,” said the artist.

In the fifteenth century, the wealthy Renaissance class had paintings made depicting their display of riches—rarities like bowls of fresh fruit and garden vegetables, vases filled with wild flowers, piles of fish, rabbits, pheasants (often nailed to a wall), all amongst expensive silks and tapestries. Originally created to show off their abundance, these early still lifes were symbolic of happiness and wealth.

Fast forward to the nineteenth century, post-Impressionism—Van Gogh unveiled a different symbolism of despair: old, dirty, worn workman’s boots and “The Potato Eaters”. Later, his still lifes of yellow sunflowers symbolized hope—his blue skies meant “forever.”

Cubism was a completely new creative approach by Picasso and Braque. They incorporated the same still life elements, but used geometric shapes and organic forms positioned provocatively.

Next, the concern was composition—another element to consider while building the still life painting. All the same elements, but now symbolic of a single element or single moment in time… caught by the artist who wanted to tell the story.

Watch the demo. Stay tuned for Part Two for more Elements of a Still Life.

Want to Work with Bob in an In-Person Workshop?
We have several in-person workshops coming up!
Keep watching for:
•Kanuga Watermedia Workshops, Montreat NC
•Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach CA
•Dillman’s Creative Arts, WI
•Hudson River Valley, Greenville NY
Go to our workshop schedule for details.
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Schedule Your 2026 Mentor Workshop Today!
•March 5-8, 2026
•May 28-31, 2026
•August 6-9, 2026
•October 1-4, 2026 - Sold Out
•November 5-8, 2026
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We also have SIX 2 and 3 day In-Person Studio Workshops
Scheduled for 2026
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•February 28 - March 1, 2026
Loose Figures in an Abstract Painting
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Sign up for a one-day Online, Intensive Workshop
•March 14-15, 2026
Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
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You will learn:
•How to make neutrals and use neutral colors effectively
•Make your own Neutral Color Chart as a studio reference
“Gray down” color and discover which colors make neutrals pop

Plenty of time for experimentation in mixing your favorite neutrals
Making mud verses working with neutrals
Bob will assist you in learning the difference.

Upcoming Online Demos
•February 17, 2026
Elements of a Still Life
•March 17, 2026
Making My Own Collage Papers
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