plate no. 1971

17. Still Life with Yellow Straw Hat 2017 by Anthony D. Padgett (after Van Gogh Nuenen 1885)

Anthony Padgett, 2017

oilPointillismsymbolic paintingstill lifehatbooksbottlekettletable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and color mixing to achieve specific hues and values. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and apply directional brushstrokes to create texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin applying thicker layers of paint using short, directional brushstrokes to build up texture and form.
step 04
Mix and apply colors for the background tiles, varying the blues and whites to create depth.
step 05
Develop the details of the hat, kettle, bottle, and books, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 06
Refine the brushwork on the tabletop, using directional strokes to suggest the surface texture.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall realism and visual interest.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and apply a varnish for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · black

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of blue for the background tiles by blending ultramarine blue with white and small amounts of black. Achieve the yellow-green of the kettle by mixing yellow ochre with viridian green and white. Create the gray tones for the table by mixing black and white with small amounts of blue and brown.

techniques

·impasto
·directional brushstrokes
·color mixing
·layering
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
→Applying brushstrokes without considering the form of the objects.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
→Getting lost in details too early in the painting process.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, black, viridian green, burnt sienna)
·palette
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits