plate no. 0845

Chinese Casket

Henri Matisse, 1922

oilFauvismportraitfiguresflowersfruittablecasketpatterned background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using color to create depth and interest. It will also help develop skills in capturing the essence of a subject rather than precise realism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figures, table, flowers, fruit bowl, and casket.
step 02
Block in the background colors: the red patterned area and the blue patterned area.
step 03
Establish the basic colors for the figures' skin tones and clothing.
step 04
Paint the tablecloth with its dominant blue, adding the lighter floral patterns.
step 05
Add the flowers, focusing on the overall shapes and color variations within the pinks and greens.
step 06
Paint the fruit in the bowl, capturing the highlights and shadows to give them form.
step 07
Add details to the casket, using darker tones to define its shape and ornamentation.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · rose madder · cadmium yellow light · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of pink by combining rose madder and titanium white. Achieve the blue of the tablecloth by mixing cerulean blue with white and a touch of yellow. Use burnt umber and white to create the darker tones for the casket.

techniques