Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Tips and trending topics for the teacher who's always learning

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Podcasts
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    Beyond the Banana: 10 Ideas for Still Life Compositions

    Arts & Crafts

    Beyond the Banana: 10 Ideas for Still Life Compositions

    Whether you’re drawing or painting, composition counts just as much as execution. And, while fruit is delicious and nutritious, let’s face it, it’s a little played out on the still life scene. Below are 10 ideas to try as you practice setting up interesting compositions.

    Toys

    Jack in the Box, teddy bears, bouncing balls, and spinning tops provide plenty of contrast and color.

    Print materials

    Stacks of books, magazines, or ephemera from today’s mail all provide rich imagery to tackle.

    Computer

    A laptop surrounded by pencil buckets and coffee cups provides perspective and variety.

    Chair Legs

    Get down on the floor and check out the legs of the chair, the flooring beneath, and the tangle of cords or electrical sockets behind.

    Kitchen Cups

    Set the scene with a variety of drinking glasses, wine glasses, kid’s cups, and mugs.

    Potted Plants

    Gather up a varied collection of potted plants, ranging from ivies and palms to cacti and succulents to create a botanical scene.

    Backpacks

    Students can pull a few items out of their packs to create a personal still life scene.

    Junk Food

    Set up cereal boxes, cookie tins, candy bars, and other junk food packages – you’ll certainly get some color.

    Trash

    Pull a few pieces out of the trash, including crumpled lunch bags, smashed soda cans, and balled napkins.

    Musical Instruments

    Instruments in their natural environments are usually surrounded by interesting things – sheet music, stands, cases, and more.

    If you’re looking for tips on setting up your compositions, from shape, color, texture, and size to lighting and negative space, check out Composition 101, on our blog.

    Do you review still life composition with your classes? What other ideas do you have for objects that set an interesting scene? Let us know in the comments below.

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Recommended

    Art Lesson Plan: A Perfect Match

    Arts & Crafts

    Art Lesson Plan: A Perfect Match

    Sharpie “Stained Glass” Literary Activity

    Reading & Literacy

    Sharpie “Stained Glass” Literary Activity

    Flag Day History and a Craft

    Celebrations & Themes

    Flag Day History and a Craft

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Inspiration & Planning

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2025 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Podcasts
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube