plate no. 8601
Prunkstilleben
Adalbert Schaffer, 1857
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic textures, particularly the reflective surfaces of metal, and understanding complex light and shadow relationships. It also provides practice in composing a detailed still life.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of objects.
- step 02
Establish the background with a dark, blended wash, creating a sense of depth.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of each object, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the forms and create highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Work on the metallic objects, carefully observing and replicating the reflections and highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the grapes, roses, and leaves, paying attention to their individual forms and textures.
- step 07
Refine the edges and add final details to enhance the realism.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow · viridian
Achieve the metallic sheen by layering thin glazes of yellow ochre and burnt umber over a base of ivory black and titanium white. Mix greens by combining viridian with yellow ochre and white.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·rendering reflective surfaces
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not accurately capturing the reflections on the metal objects.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations within each object.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·variety of round and flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will aid in blending and creating smooth transitions.
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