plate no. 5782

Flowers

Vladimir Tatlin, 1940

oilPost-Impressionismflower paintingflowersvasetableclothstill lifefoliage

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in layering colors and creating soft, diffused edges. Students will develop skills in capturing the texture of fabric and the organic shapes of flowers.

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 vase, flowers, and tablecloth.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of background color using blues and browns.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the vase, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 04
Add the darker foliage and stems, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the flowers, layering colors to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the details of the tablecloth, using light and shadow to create folds.
step 07
Add highlights to the flowers and vase to create a sense of light.
step 08
Soften edges and blend colors to achieve a diffused, impressionistic effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the darker shadows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix cadmium red and white for the pinks in the flowers.

techniques