plate no. 5825

Flowers

Gustave de Smet, 1919

oilCubismflower paintingflowersvasestill lifetablefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using color to define planes and create depth. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

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, flowers, and background, focusing on their geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, table, and vase, using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin adding color to the flowers, using simplified shapes and distinct brushstrokes to define their forms.
step 04
Introduce darker values to create shadows and define the planes of the objects.
step 05
Add details to the vase, using small brushstrokes to suggest patterns and textures.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the colors as needed to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Add highlights to the flowers and vase to create a sense of light and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making final adjustments to the colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium orange · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · raw sienna

Mix white with yellow ochre to create lighter tones for the background and highlights. Use burnt umber and cadmium orange to create the darker tones for the flowers and shadows. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the vase.

techniques

·blocking in
·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·simplification of form

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified geometric forms.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing the paints.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a too-realistic rendering.