plate no. 8742
Gathering Flowers
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting natural light and shadow on foliage and flowers, as well as capturing the form of a figure in a garden setting. Students will also learn to create depth through layering and color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the overall arrangement of the garden.
- step 02
Establish the background, blocking in the dark tones of the trees and foliage.
- step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights of the foliage, creating depth and texture.
- step 04
Block in the general shapes and colors of the flowers, paying attention to their placement and variety.
- step 05
Refine the figure, focusing on the light and shadow on the dress and hat.
- step 06
Add details to the flowers, using small brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green
Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow. Create various shades of pink and red by mixing alizarin crimson with white and small amounts of yellow. Use burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the flowers, resulting in a cluttered appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, leading to a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the foliage, resulting in a monotonous background.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, sap green)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be added to the paints to improve flow and drying time.
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