Setting Up a Still Life & What I’ve Learned Along the Way

"Garlic & Grace" – Finding Beauty in the Everyday

Sometimes inspiration shows up when you least expect it. Garlic & Grace started as a quiet moment in my kitchen. I was sipping a glass of wine, setting a rose in water, and pulling out garlic for dinner. But when I saw the way the light hit the counter, I stopped everything and grabbed my camera—and eventually, my brushes.

🧄 What Makes a Still Life Work?

Over the years, I’ve found that still life setups don’t need to be complicated. Here are a few tips I’ve learned while working on this piece:

1. Start with What You Have

Fresh produce, glassware, flowers—even kitchen scraps—can be beautiful with the right lighting. Use what feels personal or meaningful.

2. Look for Contrast

The rough texture of garlic skins next to a delicate rose, or the soft curve of a glass catching light, adds visual interest and tells a story.

3. Keep It Simple

Too many elements can feel cluttered. I focused on three: the garlic, the rose, and the wineglass. Odd numbers tend to work well visually.

4. Use Natural Light

Soft window light gives a sense of calm and realism. Morning or late afternoon light usually works best (and has a lovely golden glow).

5. Take Photos First

Snapping a few reference shots helps you remember the composition and lighting if you’re not painting it immediately. Plus, it lets you relax and enjoy the setup.

🎨 What I Learned from This Piece

• Don’t overthink it. Beauty really does live in those small, everyday moments.

• Let your environment inspire you. You don’t need a fancy setup—just a little intention and curiosity.

• Keep playing. This still life reminded me how important it is to pause and see before jumping into the painting.

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If you’d like to watch the painting process, I shared the full real-time demo as my July Patreon exclusive. It’s called Garlic & Grace, and you can find it here if you're a member.