plate no. 0478
Roses in a Tall Glass
Henri Fantin-Latour, 1873
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting helps students practice layering techniques to build form and using a limited palette to create harmonious color relationships. It also provides practice in rendering translucent objects like the glass vase.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Tone the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the composition, focusing on the placement of the roses, leaves, and vase.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the roses and leaves with darker values, paying attention to their overall form.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter values onto the roses to create highlights and define the petals.
- step 05
Add details to the leaves, varying the greens and browns to create depth.
- step 06
Paint the glass vase, using subtle variations in value to suggest its transparency.
- step 07
Refine the background with soft, blended brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · sap green · alizarin crimson · raw sienna
Mix various shades of green by combining sap green with burnt umber and yellow ochre. Achieve the rose colors by mixing alizarin crimson with white and a touch of yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle value changes in the glass.
- →Creating harsh edges instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·retouch varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Consider using a medium to thin the oil paint for glazing.
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