plate no. 2830

Nature morte aux pommes

Leon Arthur Tutundjian, 1925

oilSurrealismstill lifeapplesstill lifefruittableabstractorganic shapes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes, creating textures with dry brush techniques, and using line work to define shapes and add detail. It also encourages experimentation with unconventional color combinations and abstract representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the circular table outline and the placement of the three apples.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted brown or beige to the entire background, allowing it to dry completely.
step 03
Create textured effects in the background by blotting with a sponge or paper towel while the wash is still damp.
step 04
Begin layering washes of green, red, and yellow within the apple shapes, building up color intensity gradually.
step 05
Use a dry brush technique to add texture and detail to the apples, creating a spiky or fibrous appearance.
step 06
Mix darker shades of brown and black to add shadows and depth to the apples and the table.
step 07
Use a fine-tipped pen or brush to add linear details around the edges of the apples and the table, creating a sense of definition and outline.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · ivory black · titanium white · light blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity. Experiment with layering transparent washes to create depth and complexity.

techniques