"Zoomed-In" Still Life Drawing

Introduction

“Zoomed-in” or close-up still lifes are a theme many artists explore as part of their creative process. Instead of drawing the entire arrangement, artists crop, zoom, and focus on details, allowing ordinary objects to take on new meaning — and sometimes even become abstract.

By changing the viewpoint, artists can emphasize shape, color, texture, and movement in unexpected ways.

Essential Question

Can a zoomed-in viewpoint of a still life take on new meaning or become abstract?

Featured Artist: Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham is a British artist known for her highly detailed, zoomed-in paintings of toys, candy, marbles, and cakes. She begins by carefully arranging objects, photographing them, selecting a focal point, and then painting from the image. Her work is often described as photorealistic, but her compositions also feel playful and abstract due to extreme cropping.

Video Lesson: Sarah Graham

Watch both videos in their entirety to receive credit.

Sketchbook Notes (Required)

• Date each entry in your sketchbook

• Write 4 facts or interesting observations from each video

• Focus on her process, subject matter, and composition choices

Sketchbook Assignment #1: Planning Your Still Life

Materials

• Sketchbook

• Pencil & eraser

• Post-it note or scrap paper

• Scissors

• 3 or more objects of your choice

Instructions

1. Choose at least 3 objects that interest you or have personal meaning.

2. Watch the View Finder Video below and create your own view finder.

   • A square Post-it works great for this.

3. Arrange your objects together on a table to create a still life.

4. Using a pencil only, draw 3 thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook.

   • Size: 2” × 2”

   • Outline only (no shading)

5. Rotate your viewpoint for each sketch.

6. Use your viewfinder to create a zoomed-in composition.

7. Consider:

   • Diagonal movement

   • Cropping objects off the edges

   • How the viewer’s eye moves through the space

8. Optional: Photograph your still life and use the image as a reference, just like the featured artist.

View Finder Video

Drawing Challenge – Week 1

Oil Pastel Still Life: Zoomed-In Sectional View (Pencil Only)

Materials

• Sketchbook

• Ruler

• Pencil & eraser

• Still-life objects and/or photo reference

Instructions

1. Review your 3 thumbnail sketches.

2. Choose the strongest composition (refer to teacher feedback).

3. On a new sketchbook page:

   • Lightly measure and draw a 7” × 7” square, centered neatly on the page.

4. Inside the square, redraw your composition from observation.

   • Focus on proportion, scale, and detail.

5. Pencil only — contour/outline drawing.

6. No shading yet — this drawing will be developed next week.

Sketchbook Assignment – Week 2: Oil Pastel Practice

Materials

• Sketchbook

• Pencil & eraser

• Oil pastels

• Ruler (optional)

Instructions

1. Watch the oil pastel blending video below.

2. Practice 4 blending techniques in your sketchbook.

3. Watch the second video and take notes for credit.

   • Include the main techniques and tips discussed.

🎥 Oil Pastel Videos:

Drawing Challenge – Week 2

Oil Pastel Still Life: Zoomed-In Sectional View

Materials

• 7” × 7” pencil drawing from Week 1

• Pencil & eraser

• Oil pastels

• Still-life objects and/or photo reference

• Baby oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Continue working on your 7” × 7” drawing from last week.

2. Observe your objects closely and identify:

   • Light areas

   • Dark areas

   • Shadows and highlights

3. You may adjust colors creatively, but:

   • Light and shadow placement must remain accurate.

4. Use one blending technique you practiced that you liked best.

5. Optional: If using baby oil, test first before applying to your final drawing.

   • Place paper on a table or remove it from your sketchbook to prevent bleeding.

6. Your finished drawing should:

   • Be bold in color

   • Show smooth blending

   • Create a strong sense of depth and form

RUBRIC

Criteria	4 – Exceeds Expectations	3 – Meets Expectations	2 – Below Expectations	1 – Far Below Expectations
Composition & Zoomed-In Viewpoint	Composition is thoughtfully cropped and zoomed in; objects fill the space dynamically and create visual interest. Viewpoint clearly transforms the still life and may approach abstraction.	Composition is zoomed in and fills most of the space; cropping is intentional and clear. Viewpoint adds interest to the still life.	Zoomed-in view is attempted but composition feels awkward, incomplete, or too distant; space is not fully utilized.	Composition is not zoomed in; objects are small, poorly arranged, or copied without consideration of cropping or viewpoint.
Observation & Accuracy	Drawing shows strong observation skills with accurate proportions, shapes, and spatial relationships; objects feel convincing and intentional.	Drawing shows generally accurate observation with minor proportion or placement issues.	Observation is inconsistent; proportions and spatial relationships are noticeably inaccurate.	Little to no evidence of observation from life or reference; drawing appears rushed or careless.
Oil Pastel Technique & Blending	Oil pastels are used confidently; blending is smooth and controlled. Techniques enhance form, depth, and texture.	Oil pastels are blended adequately; some variation in technique and control is visible.	Limited blending; technique feels tentative or uneven.	Oil pastel techniques are not applied or are misused; little to no blending is visible.
Value, Light & Depth	Strong contrast between light and dark creates convincing three-dimensional form; highlights and shadows are clearly intentional.	Light and dark areas are present and mostly accurate; some depth is visible.	Minimal attention to value; forms appear flat or unclear.	No clear use of light, shadow, or value.
Craftsmanship & Effort	Artwork is clean, complete, and shows exceptional effort and care; no distracting smudges or damage.	Artwork is complete and neat with minor imperfections.	Artwork appears unfinished or messy in areas; effort is inconsistent.	Artwork is incomplete, careless, or significantly damaged.
Use of Class Time & Process	Student used class time productively, completed all sketchbook work, practiced techniques, and followed each step of the process.	Student completed required steps and used class time appropriately.	Student missed steps or needed frequent redirection to stay on task.	Student did not follow the process or use class time effectively.

Bonus Tutorial: