plate no. 1850

Peasant Dish with Apples

Samuel Mutzner, 1923

oilImpressionismstill lifeapplesplatestill lifetableclothfruit

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and in layering brushstrokes to create texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the plate, apples, and tablecloth, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark blue, varying the tone slightly.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the tablecloth, using vertical strokes and leaving some areas unpainted for texture.
step 04
Lay in the base colors for the plate, focusing on the overall shape and tone.
step 05
Add the details of the plate's rim and interior design, using small brushstrokes and varying colors.
step 06
Paint the apples, starting with the shadows and gradually building up the highlights.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as highlights and shadows.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

Mix various shades of yellow ochre and white for the plate. Use red and yellow for the apples, adding touches of green for highlights. Mix blue and umber for the darker areas of the background.

techniques