plate no. 8805

Cocos

Francisco Oller, 1893

oilRealismstill lifecoconutsstill lifefruittablebranchesfood

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the coconuts.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green-gray.
step 03
Block in the main color masses of the coconuts, using a base layer of green and brown.
step 04
Begin layering and blending to create the rounded forms and subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details such as the texture of the coconut husks and the highlights on the cut coconut.
step 06
Paint the branches, paying attention to their intricate shapes and shadows.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.

color palette

primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the various green tones by mixing sap green with raw umber and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the warmer tones in the coconut husks and branches.

techniques

·glazing
·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the blending, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Failing to accurately capture the subtle variations in color and value.
→Ignoring the importance of highlights and shadows in creating form.
→Getting lost in the details before establishing the overall composition and values.