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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!
•Kanuga Watermedia Workshop, NC
•Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, CA
•Dillman's Creative Arts, WI
Click here to go to our workshop schedule for details.
Schedule Your 2026 In-Person 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
These workshops are in-person, Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA
Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com
We also have SIX 2 and 3 day In-Person Studio Workshops
Scheduled for 2026
Click here for more info for the Studio & the Mentor Workshops
Sign Up for an Upcoming Online Workshop!
2026 schedule is on our website—Click here!
•February 28 - March 1, 2026
Loose Figures in an Abstract Painting
Click here for more info
•March 14-15, 2026
Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
Click here for more info
•March 31, 2026
Neutrals! How to Create and Use! - Online Workshop
Sign up for a one-day Online, Intensive Workshop
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.
Click here for more info
Upcoming Online Demos
•March 17, 2026
"Making My Own Collage Papers"
•April 16, 2026
“Working with Color—Red Dominant”
Click here for the 2026 schedule of Weekly Demos!
Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale
Miss any Demos? You can purchase a recording!
Click here for Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale!
Give the Gift of Bob!
Use the Burridge Studio Gift Certificates for:
•Artwork
•Monthly Demos
•Private Lessons
•Burridge Sponsored Workshops
•Products from RobertBurridge.com
Click here for more info
To purchase Robert Burridge's Goof-Proof Color Wheel,
go to our website! Click here to view the choices available. We also have a Color Wheel App, available through the App Store. Click here for more info!
Burridge Online Coaching
• Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies
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