plate no. 0364
Small Things
Karlo Zvirynsky, 1966
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric forms, color mixing for subtle shading, and how to arrange objects in a still life composition. It also provides practice in rendering shadows and highlights to create depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and their placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background color with a neutral brown.
- step 03
Begin filling in the larger shapes with their base colors, paying attention to the light source.
- step 04
Mix and apply subtle shades and highlights to create volume and dimension.
- step 05
Add details to each object, such as the dots on the die and the pattern on the checkerboard.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the shadows for accuracy.
- step 07
Add any final details and touch-ups.
- step 08
Varnish the painting when dry for protection.
color palette
primary · gray · white · brown · green
secondary · red · blue · ochre · black
Achieve the subtle shades of gray by mixing white with small amounts of black, brown, and blue. Use green and brown to create the various shades of green. Mix red and brown to create the darker red tones.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·geometric form rendering
- ·shadow and highlight
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette; stick to a limited range of colors.
- →Not paying attention to the light source, resulting in inconsistent shadows.
- →Getting the proportions of the shapes wrong; double-check your measurements.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Easel
- ·Varnish
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylics are easier for beginners, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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