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Hyacinth by Matthew Smith

plate no. 2726

Hyacinth

Matthew Smith, 1920

oilFauvismflower paintingstill lifeplantflower potstoolfabricbooks
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create vibrant and dynamic compositions. It also encourages simplification of forms and capturing the essence of the subject.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the stool, plant, and background elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main color areas using thin washes of paint.

  3. step 03

    Build up layers of color, focusing on capturing the local color of each object.

  4. step 04

    Use bold, visible brushstrokes to define the forms and add texture.

  5. step 05

    Mix colors directly on the canvas to create a sense of spontaneity.

  6. step 06

    Pay attention to the interplay of light and shadow to create depth.

  7. step 07

    Add details to the plant and flower pot, using smaller brushstrokes.

  8. step 08

    Refine the composition and add final touches to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · black

secondary · purple · orange · green

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Create various shades of purple by mixing red and blue. Use white to lighten colors and black to darken them.

techniques

  • ·impasto
  • ·broken color
  • ·alla prima
  • ·color mixing
  • ·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the painting
  • →muddying the colors
  • →losing the freshness of the brushstrokes
  • →focusing too much on detail

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is recommended.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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