Light with intention. Use strong directional lighting or unexpected angles to give your composition drama. Be aware, however, that when you move the light source, the resulting bounced light and new shadow shapes can get complicated pretty fast.
Create overlaps. Let objects touch or overlap one another as a way to introduce depth, realism, and a touch of drama that a row of evenly spaced objects can’t convey.Â
Boost contrast. Pushing values, colors, and textural differences instantly energizes your painting. Just be sure of your intentions, as too much contrast can interrupt the quiet moments you’re trying to achieve.
Vary the cast. Don’t shortchange yourself on this step. Spend time sorting through your objects to ensure that you’re including different sizes, shapes and surface angles so that the visual rhythm isn’t too predictable.
Shift the setup. Small changes, such as tilting a bowl or rotating a cup, can result in a big impact. Cézanne famously tucked coins under his still-life objects to achieve the precise balance of stability and tension that defines his work.
Repeat shapes or colors to create rhythm. Use line and the edges of objects to direct the eye. Color contrast and level of detail also inform the viewer’s eye where to linger and where to merely scan.Â
