plate no. 2381
Still Life with a Butterfly
Karlo Zvirynsky, 1975
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction, color blocking, and creating a sense of depth through light and shadow. It also encourages careful observation of shapes and forms within a still life arrangement.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and largest shapes.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and add details to the objects, such as the chessboard squares and flower petals.
- step 04
Mix and apply highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Add details like the butterfly and the lettering in the corner.
- step 06
Refine edges and blend colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust values to enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish (optional).
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Achieve the yellows and reds by mixing yellow ochre and cadmium red with white for lighter tones.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the geometric simplicity.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
- →Not paying attention to the perspective of the chessboard.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Using a medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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