plate no. 2227

Bouquet of Flowers with an Ivy Branch

Henri Rousseau, 1909

oil, canvasNaïve Art (Primitivism)flower paintingflowersvasetableleavesbouquetfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and understanding color relationships in a still life setting. It will also encourage observation of detail within a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the vase, table, and the overall flower arrangement.
step 02
Block in the main colors for the background, table, and vase using simplified shapes.
step 03
Start adding the larger flowers, focusing on their basic shapes and colors.
step 04
Gradually add details to the flowers, such as petals and centers, using slightly darker and lighter shades.
step 05
Paint the leaves and ivy branch, paying attention to their shapes and variations in green.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the vase to create a sense of depth and form.
step 07
Refine the details of the background and table, ensuring they complement the overall composition.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to match the original painting.

color palette

primary · red · green · orange · white

secondary · yellow · blue · brown

Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow with touches of brown or white. Create the orange table by mixing red and yellow, and adjust the intensity with white or brown.

techniques