Introduction to Still Life Painting
Still life painting is a celebrated genre within Western art, focusing on the careful depiction of everyday objects—such as cut flowers, fruit, and household items—arranged in thoughtful compositions. These life paintings invite viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary, transforming simple objects into captivating works of art. Still life artists use their skills to create scenes that range from highly realistic to boldly abstract, employing a variety of styles and techniques to express their unique vision. Whether through intricate detail or expressive brushwork, the goal of still life painting is to evoke a sense of wonder and reflection about the world around us. From classic arrangements to innovative contemporary interpretations, still life paintings continue to inspire both artists and audiences, with contributions from creatives across the globe—including renowned Melbourne-based artists—who push the boundaries of this enduring genre.
History of Still Life Art
Above: A Vase of Flowers (1750) Jean Siméon Chardin (French, 1699 - 1779)
The story of still life painting stretches back thousands of years, with early examples found in the art of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. However, it was during the Renaissance that still life emerged as a distinct and respected genre, as artists like Caravaggio showcased their mastery through detailed life paintings of everyday objects. The 17th and 18th centuries marked a golden age for still life in Europe, with painters such as Willem Kalf and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin creating intricate compositions that celebrated both the beauty and symbolism of their subjects.
Above: 'Vase of Flowers'. Garden Flowers. Still Life by Jan Davidsz de Heem. Framed Open Edition Fine Art Print. Historic Art
In the 17th century the Dutch specialised in still life paintings. This era is known as The Dutch Golden Age and there were a raft of artists working on this style of painting. During this time the Netherlands were a very wealthy nation and this is reflected in the sumptuous still life paintings which emerged.
Above: Artist John Dyer with painting by Henri Matisse ‘Large Red Interior’, on display at Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), New York
During the 18th century artist Henri Matisse played a big part in the genre of still life painting. He is celebrated for his still life paintings, known for their vibrant colours, bold brushwork, and decorative patterns. He often used still life as a way to explore colour and composition, blurring the boundaries between representation and abstraction. Flowers appear frequently in his work, symbolising joy, beauty, and life’s vitality. His still lifes also reveal his deep interest in diverse art forms and cultures.
As art evolved, so did the genre—modern and contemporary still life artists began experimenting with new ideas, materials, and perspectives. The rise of pop art brought a fresh approach, with figures like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein using familiar objects in bold, graphic styles. Today, still life remains a dynamic field, with artists continually reimagining the genre for contemporary audiences.
Modern Still Life Artist
Still life painting has evolved dramatically over centuries, and modern still life artists continue to reimagine this timeless genre.
Still life painting, a cornerstone of Western art, celebrates the material pleasures and beauty of everyday life. From Dutch Golden Age fruit and flower paintings to contemporary interpretations, artists have long arranged objects – cut flowers, ceramics, fruit, and glasses – to explore composition, light, colour, and perspective. Artists fill their canvases with objects that reflect deeper themes and personal narratives.
Modern artists take this further by blending dramatic lighting with vibrant colour, transforming still lifes into powerful expressions of contemporary life. Many modern still life artists draw from multiple genres, blending elements of portrait, landscape, and still life. The focus on composition and light is central to the genre. Today, still life remains an influential genre, connecting viewers to both the natural world and their interior spaces. Artists use their imagination and develop each painting from an initial idea, allowing for creative interpretations that go beyond simple representation.
The Technique of Still Life Painting
Creating a compelling still life painting requires a blend of technical skill and creative vision. Still life artists begin by selecting objects—flowers, fruit, ceramics, or other items—that will form the heart of their composition or may just be inspired by something around them - a vase of flowers by a friend or a plant growing on their window sill which happens to be catching the light in a certain way that day.
Careful arrangement is key for some artists as they consider perspective, balance, and the interplay of shapes and colours to create a harmonious scene. Many start with preparatory drawings, mapping out the placement of each object and planning the overall sense of depth and light. The painting process itself can often involves building up layers of paint, using a variety of brushstrokes to capture the textures and subtle shifts in light that bring the objects to life. Artists may work in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media, experimenting with different materials to achieve unique effects. Through this thoughtful process, still life artists transform everyday objects into art that resonates with beauty and meaning.
Life Paintings
Life paintings, or still lifes, offer a moment of pause and reflection. One such artist is acclaimed Cornish painter Joanne Short, who is inspired by Cornwall’s natural world and art history. She has created a significant body of work that reflects her unique style. Her style is characterised by vibrant colour and a modern approach.
Joanne Short is often drawn to painting flowers in vases and potted plants, which feature prominently in her compositions. Joanne Short’s still life paintings exemplify this. As a modern still life artist, she paints familiar Cornish flowers such as agapanthus, daisies, and tulips, arranged in ceramic jugs against patterned tablecloths, often with glimpses of Cornwall’s coastline seen through windows.
Each painting captures a sense of place and beauty, whether it is a view over St Michael’s Mount or a kitchen sceneinfused with coastal light. Her life paintings celebrate everyday objects and moments, reminding viewers of the simple joys and inspiration found in their surroundings.
Selected Still Life Paintings by Joanne Short
Below is a snapshot of ten recent still lifes that illuminate Joanne Short’s modern colourist approach. Each canvas pairs carefully arranged objects with the light, pattern, and palette that define her work.
‘Spider Plant on a Patterned Cloth’
This vibrant oil painting by Joanne Short features a spider plant flourishing in a striking pink and red patterned pot. The composition is alive with bold, rhythmic contrasts: a turquoise and teal striped background and a golden yellow surface decorated with intricate geometric motifs in purples, greens, and blues. The artist’s signature palette of saturated colours and decorative patterns celebrates everyday beauty, transforming a simple houseplant into an uplifting and collectable contemporary artwork.
‘Wild Flowers in a Spotty Vase’
This vibrant oil painting by Joanne Short shows a cheerful bouquet of daisies, poppies, and cornflowers in a blue polka dot vase. Set against bold purple and orange tones with a patterned table, it radiates colour and joy, capturing the artist’s distinctive celebration of nature and daily life.
This bright oil painting by Joanne Short depicts a leafy plant in a colourful floral pot, set against intricate Mediterranean-style tiles. Beyond the window, a cheerful coastal scene with sailboats and sandy beaches unfolds under a clear blue sky. The bold palette of yellows, blues, and greens captures the warmth and joy of seaside living.
‘Prickly Cacti and Purple Wallpaper’
This colourful oil painting by Joanne Short depicts an ornate patterned pot filled with cacti and succulents in rich greens and pinks. Set against a vibrant purple and blue geometric background with accents of orange and yellow, the composition exudes warmth and decorative charm, celebrating the beauty of indoor plants with her distinctive bold, style.
‘Cornish Flowers in a Welsh Vase’
This vibrant painting by Joanne Short features a cheerful mix of daisies, cornflowers, and marigolds arranged in a white Portmeirion jug decorated with floral designs. Set against a deep purple background with a bright orange and yellow striped table, it radiates warmth and joy, capturing the beauty of wild flowers with her signature bold, colourful style.
This bright oil painting by Joanne Short depicts a coastal windowsill scene with vivid blue hyacinths in a floral pot, a striped mug, and a snake plant in a matching blue and white jug. Beyond the window, sailing boats glide across turquoise waters of Falmouth Bay with palm trees swaying, capturing the Cornish seaside tranquillity and the artist’s signature joyful colour palette.
This vibrant painting by Joanne Short captures a sunlit view of Positano with its colourful hillside houses and deep blue sea. In the foreground, decorative pots overflow with lemon trees, snake plants, and bright flowers, framed by a terracotta balcony. The artist’s bold colours and patterns evoke warmth, Mediterranean joy, and everyday beauty of the Italian coast.
‘Lilies and Orchids, Green Bank, Falmouth’
This vibrant painting by Joanne Short depicts a colourful coastal view framed by a bright orange interior. Pink lilies and orchids in patterned vases sit on a golden table, while sailboats glide across vivid blue waters outside. The artwork radiates warmth and joy, capturing the beauty of flowers and seaside life with her signature bold style.
‘Colourful Vases of Flowers, Helford’ – A symphony of ceramics and garden colour set against the wooded tranquillity of Helford Creek.
‘Paintings on the Wall and Daisies in a Vase, Falmouth River View’
This vibrant painting by Joanne Short depicts a sunny interior with a patterned vase of daisies set on a yellow floral tablecloth. Through open French windows with yellow curtains, a sparkling blue river Fal dotted with white sailing boats is visible. The bold red walls adorned with framed artworks complete this joyful celebration of colour and coastal life.
Still Life Artists
Joanne Short is part of a broader movement of modern still life artists transforming the genre with new ideas and perspectives. Other influential contemporary still life artists include:
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Hilary Pecis – Known for vibrant compositions such as Two Candles (2020), reinterpreting traditional arrangements through pop art colour and flattened perspectives.
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Holly Coulis – Her stylised lemons, cups, and jugs explore form and colour relationships.
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Anna Valdez – Combining plants, ceramics, and personal objects into lush, narrative-rich compositions.
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Daniel Gordon – Creates sculptural photographic still lifes from printed images, merging mediums to challenge traditional still life.
Many modern still life artists also create portraits and landscape paintings, demonstrating versatility across genres. Their life artworks reflect a range of styles, from highly realistic to abstract.
These artists demonstrate how still life remains a vibrant and evolving art form.
Life Artists
Life artists like Joanne Short bring fresh inspiration to the genre, combining the natural world with interior arrangements. Her colourist oil paintings, painted plein air or from preparatory drawings, reflect Cornwall’s beauty with vivid palettes and stylised outlines. Some of Joanne Short's paintings are inspired by moments shared with friends, capturing the warmth of personal relationships.
Her works stand out for their:
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Dramatic lighting capturing the coastal glow.
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Bold outlines and decorative patterning that evoke both traditional and contemporary art.
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Emotional connection to place, making each painting a celebration of life, nature, and Cornish heritage, while offering a fresh perspective on reality by blending observation with artistic interpretation.
Collectors value her paintings for their ability to transform spaces, bringing colour, story, and a sense of home.
The Art Market and Still Life Paintings
Still life paintings hold a special place in the art market, attracting collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the genre’s timeless appeal and versatility. From original art by established still life artists to affordable prints and contemporary compositions, there is a wide range of options for every taste and budget. Art galleries and dealers often feature still life works, recognising their ability to bring colour, story, and a sense of everyday beauty into any collection. The rise of online marketplaces and social media has made it easier than ever for artists to share their process and connect with a global audience, while collectors can discover new life paintings and follow their favourite artists’ journeys. Whether you’re building a personal collection or simply seeking inspiration, still life paintings offer a rewarding way to engage with the art world and celebrate the artistry found in everyday objects.
Still Lifes and Their Cultural Significance
Still life paintings are more than just beautiful arrangements—they are rich with cultural meaning and historical significance. Throughout art history, still life artists have used their work to reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of their time, whether celebrating the abundance of nature or contemplating the fleeting nature of life. These paintings often serve as visual stories, offering insights into the daily lives and material culture of different societies. In the contemporary art world, still life continues to evolve, with artists exploring themes of identity, community, and social change through their choice of objects and compositions. For those interested in art history, cultural studies, or simply the beauty of the natural world, still life paintings provide a fascinating lens through which to view both the past and present, reminding us of the enduring power of art to capture and celebrate everyday life.
Contemporary Art
In contemporary art, still life is experiencing a renaissance. Modern still life artists are not confined to traditional oil paintings alone. Many explore prints, photography, sculpture, and digital media to reinterpret everyday objects and life paintings. The still life genre continues to live and evolve, remaining vital and relevant as contemporary artists adapt it to new forms and ideas.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Joanne Short’s oil painting still lifes beautifully capture the essence of everyday life, blending vibrant colour, thoughtful composition, and a deep connection to Cornwall’s natural world. As a modern still life artist, her works invite viewers to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures found in ordinary objects, transformed through her unique artistic vision. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to still life painting, Joanne Short’s life artworks offer a compelling glimpse into contemporary art’s enduring appeal.
To experience the amazing depth and charm of Joanne Short’s still life paintings, we highly recommend exploring her collection at JohnDyerGallery.com. There, you can discover original art pieces that bring warmth, beauty, and a fresh perspective to any space. With expert curation and accessible purchasing options, JohnDyerGallery.com is the perfect place to find and acquire these stunning modern still life artworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joanne Short?
Joanne Short is a prominent Cornish still life artist known for her vibrant oil paintings featuring flowers, ceramics, and coastal views. A leading modern still life artist, she combines traditional arrangements with Cornwall’s unique landscapes.
What makes Joanne Short’s still life paintings unique?
Her paintings are characterised by bold colour, stylised outlines, and harmonious compositions, celebrating everyday objects and Cornwall’s natural beauty with a modern colourist approach.
Why is still life painting important in contemporary art?
Still life painting remains vital as it captures the beauty of everyday life, offers moments of reflection, and connects viewers to cultural and natural worlds, continuing a rich tradition within contemporary art.
How can I buy Joanne Short’s still life paintings?
You can explore and purchase Joanne Short’s original paintings and prints at The John Dyer Gallery, with free global delivery and expert framing options.
