What is still-life?

A still-life is a drawing or painting of things that do not move — for example fruit, cups, bottles, vegetables or shoes. In Kenya you can draw common items like mangoes, bananas, a cup, a kerosene lamp or a mat.

Learning goals

• Look carefully at shapes, sizes and where light falls.
• Draw simple objects using outlines and shading.
• Arrange objects to make an interesting picture.

Materials (easy to find in Kenya)

• Pencil HB and a softer pencil (2B or 4B)
• Eraser and sharpener
• Plain paper or pages from an old drawing book
• Charcoal stick (optional)
• Small table, cloth or mat to place objects
• Objects to draw: mango, banana, mug, small bottle, or fruit from home

Simple steps to draw a still-life

1. Choose 2–4 objects: start with easy shapes (apple, cup, banana).
2. Arrange them: put a taller item at the back and smaller ones in front on a mat or table.
3. Look carefully: notice the shapes — circle, oval, cylinder.
4. Light and shadow: find where the light comes from (window or bulb). See where shadows fall.
5. Draw the outline: lightly sketch basic shapes with a pencil.
6. Add details: edges, stems, cup handle, skin lines on fruit.
7. Shade: press lightly for light areas and stronger for dark. Blend with a finger or tissue if needed.
8. Background: add a simple table edge or cloth pattern to make your composition look complete.

Easy shading tips

• Use the side of the pencil for smooth shading.
• Keep your hand light for soft shadows; press harder for dark shadows.
• Blend gently with a finger, tissue or a scrap of paper.
• Leave a small white area for the bright spot where light hits the object.

A tiny visual guide (3 steps)

Classroom activities (30–45 minutes)

• Group: Each group chooses 3 objects from home and arranges them. One student draws while others give suggestions.
• Solo: Draw a single fruit, show light and shadow clearly.
• Challenge: Draw a bowl full of fruit using only pencil.

Simple assessment (what teacher or parent can look for)

• Can the child draw basic shapes (circles, ovals, rectangles)?
• Is there an attempt to show light and shadow?
• Is the arrangement of objects clear (objects placed on a surface)?

Tips for Kenyan homes and schools

• Use a small box or crate as a table if you do not have a table.
• Natural daylight from a window is best — sit so that the light is on one side of the objects.
• Use used paper for practice. Practice many simple drawings before trying a big picture.

Safety and care

• Handle charcoal carefully — it can be messy. Place scrap paper under your drawing hand.
• Keep sharpener and scissors away from very young children.

Quick home activity to try tonight

Ask a family member to give you 3 small objects. Arrange them near a window. Spend 15 minutes doing a simple pencil drawing. Try to show one bright spot and one shadow.