plate no. 9059
Lilies in a Jar
Matthew Smith, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, simplifying complex forms into basic shapes, and capturing the essence of a subject with expressive brushstrokes. It also encourages experimentation with bold color combinations and loose, painterly techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the vase, flowers, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on overall color relationships.
- step 03
Start building up layers of paint, adding more detail and definition to the vase and flowers.
- step 04
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
- step 05
Pay attention to the negative space around the flowers and leaves to create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the vase and flowers to give them form.
- step 07
Refine the background, adding details and patterns as needed.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any final adjustments to color, composition, and brushwork.
color palette
primary · yellow · green · pink · white
secondary · blue · red · purple
Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Achieve pinks by mixing red and white, and use purple for shadows and accents by blending red and blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·alla prima
- ·color layering
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the painting.
- →Getting bogged down in precise representation instead of capturing the overall impression.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing and considering color relationships.
- →Ignoring the importance of negative space and composition.
- →Failing to capture the light and shadow on the vase and flowers.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
- ·varnish
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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