plate no. 9165

Flowers of Kalaki

Martiros Sarian, 1914

canvas, temperaExpressionismflower paintingflowersvasetablestill lifefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and movement. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a harmonious color scheme with 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 vase, flowers, and table arrangement.
step 02
Block in the background with diluted washes of color.
step 03
Establish the dark blue-green foliage mass, using directional brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the vase with varying shades of blue, adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add the individual flowers, focusing on their simplified shapes and colors.
step 06
Create texture on the table surface with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and interest.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast as needed.

color palette

primary · cobalt blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · violet · sap green

Mix various shades of blue-green by combining cobalt blue with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the muted background tones by mixing white with small amounts of ochre, sienna, and violet.

techniques