plate no. 3065
Paper Flowers
Tetyana Yablonska, 1967
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the table, the figure, and the flower arrangements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background snow and the table.
- step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shadows and create depth.
- step 04
Paint the figure, focusing on the simplified shapes of the clothing and head covering.
- step 05
Begin adding details to the flowers, using short, visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the scarf, paying attention to the pattern of dots.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights to create a sense of light and dimension.
color palette
primary · titanium white · rose madder · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix white with small amounts of rose madder and ultramarine blue to achieve the various shades of pink and purple in the flowers. Use burnt umber and white to create the gray tones for the table and background. Mix green with white to lighten the scarf.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the style.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions and relationships between the different elements.
- →Failing to capture the texture and character of the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 4, 6, 8
- ·flat brush size 10
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the visible brushstrokes. Acrylic paints are a good option for beginners, as they are easier to clean up and dry quickly.
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