plate no. 3233

Irises

oilExpressionismflower paintingflowersliliesstill lifevasetablefloral arrangement

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in color mixing and understanding subtle value changes within a limited palette. Students will learn to create form through smooth blending and careful observation of light and shadow.

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, table, and flower arrangement, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark blue, and the table with a muted green-gray.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the lilies with a light yellow, noting where the light hits and where the shadows fall.
step 04
Add the green stems and leaves, mixing different shades of green to create depth.
step 05
Refine the shapes and values of the lilies, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 06
Paint the details of the vase, including the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Add the red details in the center of the lilies.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the colors and values are balanced.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red

Mix the light yellow for the lilies by combining yellow ochre and titanium white. Create the dark blue background by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the green tones by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, adjusting the ratio for different shades.

techniques