plate no. 9585

Still life with a skull

Nikola Martinoski, 1920

oilAcademicismstill lifeskullglobebookcrucifixstill lifepapers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering form through light and shadow, and in creating a sense of depth and texture using visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in observing and representing complex shapes and their relationships to each other.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of objects.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of dark tones.
step 03
Block in the main colors of each object, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes and forms, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Develop the textures of each object using visible brushstrokes and layering of paint.
step 06
Pay close attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and values of the objects.
step 07
Add details such as the crucifix, book pages, and patterns on the globe.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and realistic representation.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Achieve the skull's color by mixing cadmium red with burnt umber and white. Use yellow ochre and sap green to create the greenish-yellow tones of the vase and globe.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
→Ignoring the effect of light on the colors and values of the objects.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, sap green, ivory black)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags

optional

·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·retouch varnish
·easel

Use a medium-grit canvas for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a more harmonious color scheme.

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