plate no. 9200

Hollyhocks

Moise Kisling, 1939

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismflower paintingflowersvasetablestill lifehollyhocks

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in color mixing and layering to create depth. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use brushstrokes to define texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the vase, table, and flower arrangement.
step 02
Block in the background with a base layer of dark blue.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the vase and table, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Begin painting the flowers, starting with the darkest reds and gradually adding lighter tones.
step 05
Add the green buds and stems, varying the shades of green.
step 06
Refine the details of the flowers, such as the petals and centers.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to the entire painting.
step 08
Let dry and apply a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · viridian green

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix different shades of red by adding white for lighter tones and alizarin crimson for deeper tones. Create the green by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the ratio for different shades.

techniques

·color mixing
·layering
·blending
·impasto
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Not establishing a strong value structure.
→Getting lost in the details too early.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, cadmium red, viridian green, titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags