Macešky I by Josef Capek

plate no. 7706

Macešky I

Josef Capek, 1926

oilExpressionismflower paintingflowersvasetableclothstill lifestripes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing and creating a harmonious color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the vase, flowers, and tablecloth.
step 02
Block in the background and the main areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Start building up the colors of the vase, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Paint the flowers, paying attention to the individual petal shapes and color variations.
step 05
Add the details of the tablecloth and the striped background.
step 06
Refine the edges and add any final details.
step 07
Add the signature.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · red · white · brown · green

secondary · blue · yellow · purple

Mix various shades of red and white to achieve the tablecloth color. Use green and brown for the vase, and mix blue, yellow, and purple for the flowers.

techniques

·Impasto
·Color mixing
·Simplified forms
·Visible brushstrokes
·Blocking in

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Getting the proportions wrong
→Using too many colors
→Not creating enough contrast
→Muddying the colors

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
·Varnish
·Brush cleaner

Use a medium-sized canvas for this project. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.

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