plate no. 7156

Peaches and Strawflowers

Janet Fish, 1990

oilContemporary Realismstill lifepeachesflowersstill lifebowltablecloth

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing the interplay of light and shadow on different surfaces. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations and reflections.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the peaches, bowl, flowers, and background.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin with a wash of diluted color to establish the overall color scheme.
step 04
Layer in darker values to define the forms and create depth.
step 05
Add details to the peaches, focusing on the highlights and reflections.
step 06
Paint the flowers, using short, expressive brushstrokes to capture their texture.
step 07
Refine the background and tablecloth, paying attention to the patterns and shadows.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · purple · white

secondary · green · brown · grey

Achieve the peach colors by mixing reds, yellows, and whites. Use purples and browns for shadows. Mix greens and yellows for the flower stems and leaves.

techniques