plate no. 9652

Chrysanthemums

Vanessa Bell, 1920

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismstill lifeflowerspitcherstill lifefabrictable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in observing subtle color variations and layering brushstrokes to create texture. It also provides practice in depicting rounded forms and reflections.

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 pitcher, flowers, and background elements, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the dark background color with a thin wash.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the pitcher, flowers, and fabric, focusing on overall tones.
step 04
Begin layering paint on the pitcher to define its form and add highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the flowers, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the petals.
step 06
Paint the decorative elements on the pitcher, such as the blue pattern and the bird.
step 07
Refine the background and fabric, adding subtle color variations and texture.
step 08
Add the reflection on the table surface and make final adjustments to the composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green

Mix white with small amounts of umber and ochre to achieve the off-white of the pitcher. Combine blues and reds for the flower petals, and adjust with white for lighter tones. Use ultramarine and burnt umber to create the dark background.

techniques