plate no. 7054

Sally Avery with Still Life

Milton Avery, 1926

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitstill lifeapplestablechair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and color blocking to create a cohesive composition. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, table, and bowl of apples, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: dark background, skin tones, white dress, dark table, and apple colors.
step 03
Refine the shapes and colors of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in skin tone and the folds of the dress.
step 04
Add details to the still life, focusing on the highlights and shadows on the apples and the rim of the bowl.
step 05
Develop the background with subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 06
Add visible brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 07
Refine edges and details to complete the painting.
step 08
Step back and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the dark background and table color by mixing black with a touch of blue and red. Create apple colors by mixing red, yellow, and green with varying amounts of white.

techniques