plate no. 7089

Still Life

Bernard Buffet, 1964

oilExpressionismstill lifestill lifebottlescoffee potcupstraytable

some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice bold, expressive brushstrokes and simplified form representation. It also encourages exploration of limited color palettes and creating depth through value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of orange and yellow, allowing some variation.
step 03
Define the dark shapes of the bottles and coffee pot using black or dark brown.
step 04
Add highlights to the bottles and coffee pot to create form and dimension.
step 05
Paint the tray and cups with a light gray or white, adding shadows to define their shapes.
step 06
Use thick, visible brushstrokes throughout the painting to mimic the artist's style.
step 07
Add details to the cups and bottles, such as the 'VAT 69' label.
step 08
Refine the edges and add any final touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · orange · black · white

secondary · yellow · gray

Mix shades of orange by combining yellow and red. Create grays by mixing black and white. Use white to lighten the orange for highlights in the background.

techniques