plate no. 9549
Mauve Still Life
Mary Fedden, 1968
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and explore color relationships, particularly using a limited palette and creating harmonious color schemes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the table.
- step 03
Add the main colors of the fruit and bowl, focusing on the overall shapes.
- step 04
Introduce variations in color within each object to create depth and interest.
- step 05
Define the edges of the objects with slightly darker or lighter values.
- step 06
Add details such as the seeds in the bowl and the highlights on the grapes.
- step 07
Refine the brushwork, using visible strokes to add texture and character.
- step 08
Add the gold accents.
color palette
primary · mauve · purple · orange · gold
secondary · white · brown · pink
Mix mauve by combining purple and white. Create variations by adding small amounts of other colors like orange or brown.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the style.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Not paying attention to the overall color harmony.
- →Making the shapes too realistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes
- ·Flat brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a limited palette to encourage color mixing and harmony.
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