plate no. 1087

Still Life with Blue Flower

oilPost-Impressionismstill lifestill lifepearsbowlpitcherflowertablecloth

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to depict light and shadow on rounded forms. Students will also practice painting patterns and floral motifs.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition: the plate, bowl, pitcher, and pears.
step 02
Establish the background color with thin washes, focusing on the overall tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the objects: blues for the plate, greens and reds for the pears, and creams for the pitcher.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the form and volume of the pears and other objects.
step 05
Add details to the tablecloth pattern, using small brushstrokes and varying colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the flower and leaves, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt sienna

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve pear variations by layering greens, reds, and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques