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home·artworks·Still Life with Brass Urn
Still Life with Brass Urn by Emil Carlsen

plate no. 1939

Still Life with Brass Urn

Emil Carlsen, 1892

oilRealismstill lifestill lifebowlurngameshellstable
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering reflective surfaces and creating depth through subtle value changes. Students will also learn to mix muted colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with a thin wash of dark, warm colors.

  3. step 03

    Establish the main light and shadow areas on the bowl, urn, and game.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering colors on the bowl, focusing on the subtle variations in tone and the blue pattern.

  5. step 05

    Develop the form of the urn, using highlights and shadows to create a metallic effect.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the game, paying attention to the texture of the feathers.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges and add final highlights to create a sense of realism.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue sparingly to create the blue pattern on the bowl and to cool down the browns.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·color mixing
  • ·rendering form

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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