plate no. 4202
Flower pot and ceramic jug
Koloman Moser, 1912
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in color mixing and achieving a harmonious color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the jug, flower pot, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, table, jug, pot, leaves, and flowers using thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the background with visible brushstrokes, varying the yellows and browns.
- step 04
Add details to the jug, focusing on the checkerboard pattern and the highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Build up the leaves and flowers with layers of color, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Define the shape of the pot with darker reds and browns, adding texture with dry brush.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the objects.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw umber · alizarin crimson
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the jug's color by mixing ultramarine blue, titanium white, and a touch of raw umber. Create the flower pot color by mixing burnt sienna and alizarin crimson.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Making the checkerboard pattern on the jug too precise and uniform.
- →Failing to capture the texture and form of the objects with brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna)
- ·Round brushes (#4, #6)
- ·Flat brushes (#6, #8)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve flow.
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