plate no. 8243
Apricots
James Taylor Harwood, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and form, as well as understanding how to use a limited palette to achieve a realistic effect. Students will also learn to create subtle gradations of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the apricots, branch, and leaves, paying attention to their placement and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin layer of dark brown or black paint.
- step 03
Block in the general color of the apricots using a mid-tone orange or yellow.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter and darker tones on the apricots to create highlights and shadows, blending carefully.
- step 05
Paint the leaves, using a mix of greens and browns, and vary the values to create depth.
- step 06
Add details to the branch, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the apricots and leaves, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of form and light.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow light · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber and white to create the base color for the apricots. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow for highlights and burnt umber for shadows. Mix sap green with burnt umber and white for the leaves, adjusting the proportions to create different shades of green.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast, which can make the painting look muddy.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the details.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the apricots and leaves.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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