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home·artworks·Pot-pourri
Pot-pourri by Edwin Austin Abbey

plate no. 1726

Pot-pourri

Edwin Austin Abbey, 1899

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorrosestablearchitectureclothing
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex poses, capturing subtle light and shadow, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting detailed floral arrangements and interior spaces.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of figures and major architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background colors, starting with the walls and floor, using thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and poses.

  4. step 04

    Begin adding details to the figures' clothing, hair, and facial features.

  5. step 05

    Paint the table and the arrangement of roses, focusing on capturing the variety of colors and textures.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the architectural elements, such as the column, doors, and arches.

  7. step 07

    Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting, creating depth and dimension.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · rose madder

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium red

Achieve the warm, muted tones of the interior by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Create the rose colors by mixing rose madder with titanium white and a touch of cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and viridian green for the cooler tones in the doors and vases.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·figure drawing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a clear light source.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective in creating depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·#8 filbert brush
  • ·palette

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel
  • ·mahl stick

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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