plate no. 1669

Flannel flowers and gum leaves

Grace Cossington Smith, 1928

oilPost-Impressionismflower paintingflowersleavesfoliagestill lifeplants

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations within a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the flowers, leaves, and background elements, focusing on their placement and proportions.
step 02
Establish the background color with broad strokes, using a mix of yellows, browns, and creams.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the flowers and leaves, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
step 04
Begin adding texture and detail with short, deliberate brushstrokes, following the form of each element.
step 05
Layer colors to create depth and dimension, using darker tones to define shadows and lighter tones to highlight areas.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add small details to enhance the overall composition.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the color, value, or composition.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · viridian green · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted greens by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt umber. Create the off-white flower petals by mixing titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber.

techniques

·impasto
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Neglecting to vary the brushstrokes, creating a flat and lifeless surface.
→Failing to observe the subtle color variations within the subject matter.
→Getting lost in details too early, before establishing the overall composition and color scheme.