For this assignment I decided to set up a ‘Still Life’ in the corner of a window sill, using some cut flowers in a jug of water. I did a few preliminary sketches to decide on composition and then some colour observations all in my sketchbook.
For the first drawing I used oil pastels and did a drawing more from the left of the flowers and jug. The second drawing was done with some charcoal pencils and I drew this from a head on angle, with the lip of the jug showing this time.

In the end I decided to go with the composition below, which is the version I did with pencils. I liked that it was a more close range version and you could really see the flowers details.
My final version was done in acrylics on an A3 canvas, due to their quick drying time I thought they would be a good choice of medium. I think I have managed to get the highlights and shadow right, with the light source coming in from the left of the painting. I do feel that perhaps the line of the window frame doesn’t quite look right though? I am also reasonably happy with the glass jar in making it look transparent with the stems of the flowers slightly off where they enter the water.
I think the mood that this painting conveys is perhaps a mixed one. On one hand the complementary coloured flowers look vibrant and happy sat on the bright windowsill. But there are also a few flowers facing away in a more shaded area that are slightly closed up and perhaps not blooming to their full potential. I also think the fact that the flowers have to be cut to be enjoyed is quite sad, and goes back to the vanitas theme of the shortness and fragility of life.

I wanted to look further into the term ‘Chiaroscuro’ for this assignment, I liked the dramatic effect it had on paintings. Following on from the research I had done earlier on in this course, I wondered if I could apply the ‘Chiaroscuro’ technique to a ‘Still Life’ piece. I found some interesting floral ‘Still Life’s’ by the artist ‘Jan Davidz. De Heem’ who used this dark background with a floral display in front. I like how the colour of the flowers almost pop against the dark setting behind.

I then found items for my ‘Still Life’ taking into consideration my light source, background and subject. I went with creating a black background from an old jacket, using daylight as my light source, then with a hyacinth plant in a pot as my subject of choice. I have used Acrylics on canvas, opting for them as my choice of medium down to their quick drying time and low odour. I made a few colour tests in my sketchbook and have also roughly drawn out a few sketches to make sure the composition worked ok.

Below is a charcoal version which I have sprayed with a setting spray to stop it from smudging. I have also taken a picture during my final piece at the part where I was painting in the negative space around the  Hyacinth. I think it was a good idea to step away at this point just to see how the composition was looking and to make sure the area of negative space to positive space was working ok?!

I’m quite pleased with the final outcome of this painting although I found the details of the flowers and the colour match of the table quite hard to do. I think the dark background makes the colour of the flowers stand out. I’m also quite happy with the tonal values on the vase, with the light reflection helping to create the form.
I think perhaps a better study of how to make a more convincing wood effect might have been a good idea? Something to think on for future reference!