plate no. 9719
Still Life
Roman Selsky, 1926
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the objects and the decorative frame.
- step 02
Block in the background colors, starting with the darker tones.
- step 03
Establish the main colors of each object, focusing on the teapot and fruit.
- step 04
Add highlights and shadows to define the forms and create depth.
- step 05
Paint the decorative frame, paying attention to the color variations and details.
- step 06
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 07
Add the small details like the dots in the background.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish if desired.
color palette
primary · red · green · brown · blue
secondary · orange · yellow · white
Mix browns from primary colors, use white to create tints, and blend colors directly on the canvas to achieve the desired hues.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones.
- →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on details early on.
- →Not paying attention to the light source and shadows.
- →Making the colors too uniform and lacking variation.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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