Where online can I find photos of still life to paint?

I am looking for pictures with shadows and background. I have looked on google images and all I can find is things with a white background.Where online can I find photos of still life to paint?
The fact that you are just learning means you would be better off setting up your own simple still life. It will teach you not only how to paint them, but how to really SEE the objects before you. Set up three or five items on a simply draped, even slightly rumpled piece of fabric. This arrangement should be placed so either the wall behind it accepts the shadows it casts or so the background is so neutral you need only suggest it is there. Light your set up with s lamp set up to one side of you. Do several thumbnail sketches (about 3'; x 4';) in pencil on paper until you find an arrangement that looks best. Pay attention to where the lights and darks fall on the thumbnails, as you want your values to create a lead-the-eye design that is balanced and creates a pleasing image . . . even in black and white.





Make sure at least one item is something you like, but be sure it is recognizable. I once watched a student struggle with a still life in which her favorite figurine was featured. The painting ended up being ok, but everyone who saw it asked ';What is that?'; when pointing out the figurine. It was not obvious that it was a prized silly-looking piggy bank, especially the angle and way she painted it. Always work to eliminate any ';What is it?'; objects from your artwork, be they still life, landscape, or figure work.





Painting from photos online, unless you are studying and copying one of the masters of still life, is not recommended because it does not challenge you to use your mind about the composition, colors or reason for your painting, as the photo you select is already the creative work of the person who took the photo. Work toward a goal of only doing your own original work (unless, like I said, you decide to study, by copying, an old master).





A small Christmas package, a few colorful candies and a candle . . .


Three shiny Christmas tree balls


A pair of mittens and your cell phone


A cup of hot chocolate . . . see Duane Keiser's great still life work http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com/


http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com/search?u鈥?/a>


http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com/search?u鈥?/a>Where online can I find photos of still life to paint?
Why not paint from life? You don't need drapes or set lighting or romantic items or anything special - just arrange some stuff on a table. Make it look interesting. Make sure it's well lit using a nonmoving light source: a northish window, spotlight, table lamp, w/e. Paint it.





A dark background can be accomplished with either a dark drape, or by leaving plenty of space behind your still life in a dim room.





You'll be better off arranging your own still lifes and painting from life in the long run anyway.