plate no. 2735

Still life with apples and jug

Paul Serusier, 1912

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismstill lifeapplesjugstill lifetableclothfruitbowl

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and creating form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in observing and simplifying complex patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the jug, bowl, and apples.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Begin layering colors, building up the forms of the objects and the folds of the tablecloth.
step 04
Pay attention to the light and shadow on the apples and jug, using darker and lighter values to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the tablecloth pattern, simplifying the design and focusing on the overall effect.
step 06
Refine the edges of the objects, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the still life.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Achieve the apple colors by mixing yellow ochre with touches of cadmium red and viridian green. Create the tablecloth colors by mixing red with burnt sienna and touches of green and blue.

techniques