plate no. 5855

Flores secas

Oswaldo Guayasamin, 1994

oilExpressionismflower paintingflowersleavesvasestill lifetableshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also provides practice in creating depth and form through value changes and distinct brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the vase, leaves, and flowers, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of blue, varying the tone slightly for depth.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the vase using a mix of grays and blacks, indicating highlights and shadows.
step 04
Paint the leaves with a base color of gray, then add highlights and shadows with white and darker grays, following the contours of the leaves.
step 05
Add the orange and red flowers, focusing on their simple shapes and color intensity.
step 06
Outline the leaves and flowers with a thin dark line to define their edges and create contrast.
step 07
Add the cast shadow of the vase on the table.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium orange · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the blue background by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of white for lighter areas. Create the orange and red flowers by mixing cadmium orange and alizarin crimson respectively.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·outlining
·value shading
·simplifying shapes

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes of the leaves and flowers.
→Using too many colors and losing the cohesiveness of the palette.
→Making the outlines too thick or harsh.
→Not paying attention to the value changes and creating a flat image.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·painting medium

optional

·easel
·medium gloss
·retarder

Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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