Explore the fascinating world of still life art that has captivated artists for thousands of years! Kids will study famous still life paintings from history, learning what these artworks reveal about different cultures and time periods. Then they'll become artists themselves, carefully observing and capturing everyday objects like apples and flowers using any art supplies they choose - pencils, paint, or even photography!
A 5–120 minutes craft for ages 8–12, using supplies you likely already have — Apples, Pencils, and Paint.
GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.
Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.
Create a free GlueStick account to track supplies and see if you have what you need at a glance. Leave your kids tips about where supplies are stored in your household so they can set up and clean up their creative spaces independently.
Long ago in Ancient Greece, there were two famous artists named Zeuxis and Parrhasius. They had a contest to see who could paint the most realistic picture. Zeuxis painted grapes that looked so real, birds flew down and tried to eat them! He thought he had won for sure. Then Parrhasius showed his painting, which looked like it had a curtain over it. When Zeuxis tried to pull back the curtain to see the painting underneath... surprise! The curtain WAS the painting! Parrhasius had fooled not just birds, but another artist too! Many years later, in 1658, an artist named Adriaen van der Spelt loved this story so much that he painted his own tricky picture. He painted beautiful flowers with what looks like a curtain being pulled aside to show them. People still do a double-take when they see it - is that curtain real or painted? Image credit: https://drawpaintacademy.com/top-20-still-life-artists/ Adriaen van der Spelt and Frans van Mieris, Trompe-l’Oeil Still Life with a Flower Garland and a Curtain, 1658
"Are you as excited to make this as I am?"
Put things away so your space is tidy for next time.
Reminder, this project used supplies that may trigger allergies. Store them safely!
Check off each supply when it is put away — and any clean-up tips underneath are done too. You might find a fun surprise!
Did we run out of anything while making this project? Update our supply cupboard so that we know exactly what we have for next time.
This project could unlock 2 creative buddies. Sign in to unlock them.
"I love how you stuck with your creative ideas!"
Your first project is free. Create your free GlueStick account to keep making — and discover projects you can do with the supplies you already have.
Snap a photo of your recycling bin, junk drawer, or fridge and GlueStick finds projects you can make right now with the supplies you already have — no store trip, no expensive kits, just more creative afternoons together.
