plate no. 1281
Still Life
Leon Underwood, 1930
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in rendering rounded forms with light and shadow, and in observing subtle color variations within a limited palette. Students will also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bowl, fruit, and pine cone, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, bowl, and each piece of fruit using thinned paint.
- step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights on each object to define their forms.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to build up depth and realism, focusing on subtle shifts in hue and value.
- step 05
Add details to the bowl's pattern and the texture of the pine cone using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the objects and adjust the shadows to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Varnish the painting when dry to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · red · yellow · green · brown
secondary · orange · black · white
Achieve the various fruit tones by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of brown or black to adjust the value. Use glazes of thinned color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Not paying close enough attention to the subtle color variations.
- →Creating harsh edges instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Oil paints (red, yellow, green, brown, orange, black, white)
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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