3rd February 2026
On Tuesday evening Rojer Weightman our guest speaker gave a presentation on Still Life.
Rojer began his presentation by explaining that he was very influenced by the Dutch painters of the Seventeenth Century. They flourished creating highly detailed, symbolic, and realistic paintings ranging from breakfast scenes to luxurious Pronkstilleven (display) and Vanitas paintings. The paintings featured intricate compositions of flowers, food, and precious objects.
Rojer said one of his favourite artists was Pieter Claesz known for atmospheric breakfast and banquet pieces.
He explained that Vanitas describes Symbolism representing the brevity of life and vanity of earthly goods. Items such as Skulls, extinguished candles and wilting flowers were used.
Pronkstilleven paintings often featured expensive, luxurious imported good such as Venetian glass, or silver plates, goblets.
Memento Mori Rojer explained is a genre reminding people of the inevitability of death using hourglasses, decaying flowers, or fruit.
Rojer went on to show us many of his photographs set out in these styles which were detailed and rich in colour.
He told us that the key features in still life are composition and light.
Rojer also explained the symbolism of certain items with the paintings.
He gave us some tips on Still life paintings such as:
- Don’t complicate with too many subjects
- Don’t start with glass or silver which are difficult to photograph
- Base composition on the Fibonacci shape which can work well
- He said take your time on your photograph don’t rush, try to use a set up you can leave and come back to.
A selection of Rojer Weightman’s Still Life Photography
The presentation was very interesting, educational and inspiring. Thank you to Rojer.
Blog written by Carol Haines
Next week : Guest Speaker – Tigz Rice
Oh! Well done on getting so much in your blog Carol. There Wes certainly a lot of interesting information to take in on the night, and you’ve managed to get it down.
Amazing blog Carol. How did you take in so much ? Very impressed.
I did look on the Internet to research the descriptions of the artists terms like Allegory,and Vanitas.I found it fascinating.