plate no. 2782
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background and largest shapes.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and edges of the objects, paying attention to the overlapping forms.
- step 04
Mix and apply the specific colors for each area, building up the layers gradually.
- step 05
Add details like the lines and small shapes within the larger forms.
- step 06
Create the shadows and highlights to give the objects a sense of depth.
- step 07
Check for accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final touches and clean up any stray marks.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · gray · pink
Mix shades of gray by combining black and white. Create pink by adding a touch of red to white. Vary the yellow ochre by adding small amounts of red or white.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·flat color application
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not paying attention to the relationships between the objects.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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