Inspired by Art Still Life - Project Plan
Aim
My aim is to produce two photographs which are inspired by still life paintings from the Dutch Masters era. I will produce one on campus in the studio and one on location at home.
Objectives
My objectives for this Inspired by Art Still Life project are:
Create two Inspired by Art Still Life photographs
Develop research skills and communication skills
Develop a critically-informed approach to photographic practice
Develop studio lighting skills
Analyse portraiture and photography
Research artists/photographers who inspire me
Experiment with the composition of the props/subject
Successfully find suitable props and materials.
Investigation
Firstly, I researched Still Life art from the Dutch Masters era and looked for paintings that I liked and that inspired me. I found a few different Still Life images which I liked but narrowed it down to the following.
1. natura morta by Giorgio Morandi https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giorgio-Morandi
2. “Basket of Fruit” by Caravaggio https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caravaggio
The simplicity and plain colour palette of the first image is what attracted me to it. I like the soft cream and brown tones and the simple composition that still creates beautiful art. I was attracted to the next image because of the various colour and textures against the light background. The various shapes of the grapes, leaves, apples and lemons make an interesting image.
It is possible that these Still Life paintings would have been found in personal studios, possibly museums (likely after the artist’s death) or they could have been sold and presented in homes etc.
In the first image, it looks like soft 45 degree lighting. There is a soft shadow behind the vases and the image is illuminated well. The central composition helps to bring the viewers attention directly to the subject at first glance. The second image however has very defined shadows suggesting a hard light. It looks like the light source is coming from around a 45 degree angle. An interesting image has been created here, the basket is central in the frame but there are various shadows which direct our eyes towards the right of the image.
Materials & Techniques
1. natura morta
For this image I will use two vases and a plain backdrop in a cream/off-white colour. I will have to experiment with the light to achieve the correct shadow. I like the simplicity of this image so I will have to ensure I can achieve the same smooth and flat surface/background.
2. “Basket of Fruit”
For this next image I will have a lot more props such as: a basket, leaves, grapes, apples and lemons. I think I will have to experiment with the lighting here to get the same sharp shadows as in the original painting. I quite like the background in this image so I might experiment with staining material for the same effect on the backdrop.