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What are the elements of a successful Still Life?

No, I am not a kid asking about their homework. I just think it is an interesting subject. Some people are able to take the most mundane elements in a household and elevate them to art. Others are miserable at it.

Public Comments

1. You're right, in my opinion the simplier the better for a still life. A friend painted a pear and the coloring make it look real. If you find appealing, others will also. Lisa
2. Composition, lighting, color, shading, and style....as well as a passion for your work. Lots of still lifes are painted as learning exercises, and the artist's disinterest is apparant. The great still lifes (look at the Dutch masters) were painted as a way of showing the aesthetic beauty of everyday objects. They applied all of their skill and passion for art into creating something beautiful, and hence, their still lifes are captivating. Personally, I prefer still lifes with an underlying message, such as the Vanitas still life by Oosterwyck.
3. I have to agree with "Theprof"... beautifully said.
4. Light and shadow. The objects in a still life are much more compelling when they're throwing nice shadows. Composition. The objects have to be in tension with one another, while not looking arranged or contrived. This is a lot harder than it sounds. Color and texture. Should be a variety of both.
5. If you get composition right, your subject won't matter. Irregular intervals, nothing centered or evenly spaced. The idea is to keep the eyes moving.