Still Life and Theme

​Thematic
Still Life

​A Review

Today We Are...

Content Purpose

Students will understand that still life artists use object symbolism, arrangement, and visual choices to communicate theme.

Language Purpose

Students will use analytical vocabulary (e.g., represent, convey, theme, still life, subject matter) to verbally and in writing justify their interpretation of a still life’s theme.

Social Purpose

Students will collaborate respectfully in pairs and groups to discuss object meanings, share interpretations, and support ideas with visual evidence.

​Learning Objective: You will be able to identify the theme of a still life artwork by analyzing the symbolic meaning of objects and supporting their interpretation with visual evidence.

+ Completing an interactive review of still life and theme
+ Starting your thematic still life art project

Open Ended

What is still life art?

Open Ended

What is theme in art?

Still Life: A genre of art that depicts inanimate objects

Subject Matter: What is depicted in a work of art

Theme: A broad idea or message conveyed by a work of art

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What does this object represent?

What does this object represent?

Independently or in small groups, consider what the objects could represent. Answer the question for each object on a piece of paper.

​​What could these objects represent?

1.

3.

2.

Independently or in small groups, consider what the objects could represent. Answer the question for each object on a piece of paper.

​​What could these objects represent?

4.

6.

5.

What is the subject matter of this artwork?

What is the theme of this artwork?

Open Ended

What is the subject matter of this artwork?

Open Ended

What is the theme of this artwork?

Open Ended

What is the subject matter of this artwork?

Open Ended

What is the theme of this artwork?

Let's make art!

​Step One: Chose a theme for your art project. What theme could you choose for your art project?

The Project: Create a Thematic Still Life artwork

Themes can be personal, cultural, societal, mythological, religious, whimsical, or philosophical. They can be based on material qualities, such as color or texture.

Theme Examples: Holidays/Seasons, Sports/Hobbies, Letters/Colors

Let's make art!

​Once you have an idea you like for the theme of your art project, complete the Still Life Google Form.

The Project: Create a Thematic Still Life artwork