Still life paintings use inanimate objects as their subject matter. Historically, before photography, it was often art, commissioned by the landed gentry, to celebrate their wealth. It might be fine china, pewter objects, expensive furniture, luxurious fabrics, time pieces, exotic fruit, the spoils from a pheasant shoot or even the stag killed only that morning. You probably know, pineapples were very expensive; so much so, they were often put in front of guests but never eaten.
Pineapple Dream white sketch on black
Allison Swindell
The French call it "Nature Morte", because nothing moves while the artist works. A bonus, when human subjects, animals and even the elements of an outdoor scene move.
Pansies and a sewing machine «Singer»
Tatjana Cechun
The other bonus for the artist is the control s/he can have over the composition. Elements can be moved around to create a pleasing arrangement. The Cubists used still life arrangements as the basis of their works for similar reasons.
HARD AND SUCCULENT
Roy Summerfield
The other joy for the artist is the chance to demonstrate incredible skill in the rendition of different textures.
Spring Flowers
Zoe Elizabeth Norman
Artists, being the kind of people they are, continue to push the boundaries.
Crushed Coke (on a box canvas).
Juan Sly
STILL LIFE WITH CHERRY
Stephen Conroy
Cheaper than hiring a model - no need to travel to find a subject. Still life will remain a major source of inspiration.