How to Paint a Still Life Distorted Figure

Using a grid to resize elements of a picture creates a unique visual image.

One needn't be Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne or Georges Braque to create an intriguing work of abstract art. Painting a still life illustrates the artist's perspective of a particular scene for a single moment in time. How one views a scene often depends on a variety of factors including previous experience and personal outlook. Distorting this view within the still life can speak symbolically to the viewer. Perhaps the world is shockingly different than what is perceived. Using a grid is one easy way to create a distorted still life, portraying a common scene in a unique way.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Picture of still life
• Mechanical pencil
• Pencils or charcoal
• Canvas
• Paint (oil or latex)
• Brushes

Instructions

1. Choose a picture or photograph of a still life photo appealing to you.

2. Create a grid on top of the original reference image, insuring the grid consists of precisely measured squares. Use a ruler to measure and mark 1-inch intervals across the top, bottom, left and right sides of the image. Connect the marks horizontally and vertically using a mechanical pencil for precise marking. A 5-by-7 inch image would have five squares across the top and seven squares down the side, with 35 squares in the entire grid.

3. Create a second grid on the canvas for the distorted image. Depending upon the size of the canvas, make mathematical adjustments in an initial 1:1 ratio. For example, if the original image is 5-by-7 inches, and the canvas is 10-by-14 inches, double the square size. Measure and mark the graph at 2-inch intervals for an image in proportion to the original.

4. Look at the original, gridded image with a critical eye. Examine the picture for unusual elements you wish to emphasize through distortion.

5. Vary the interval measurements to reflect larger and smaller areas on the canvas. For example, on a 5-by-7 inch image of a bowl of fruit, you may wish to distort the image of grapes located at 3 inches horizontally and 4 inches vertically. Thus, on the canvas, the column of squares at 6 inches horizontally and the row of squares located at 8 inches vertically would be measured at 3 inches by 3 inches. Modify other areas of the grid to only 1 inch squares to reflect the change.

6. Consider using bold colors not associated with the original image to set the mood and tone of the image.

Tips & Warnings

• Label the grid with numbers across the top and letters down the side as a means of referencing specific areas of the picture.

References

• Art is fun: The Grid Method
• Artble: Still Life with Plaster Cast Analysis
• Explore Drawing and Painting: Discover These Four Tools for Creating a Realistic Drawing
• "Life"; G. Braque