plate no. 1743
Still Life with Camellias
Ilya Mashkov, 1915
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing the texture of different objects with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in arranging a complex still life composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life, paying attention to the placement of the objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, table, and major objects using thin washes.
- step 03
Start building up layers of color on each object, focusing on capturing the local color and variations in tone.
- step 04
Add details to the flowers, leaves, and fruit, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Define the shapes and forms of the objects by adding highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Pay attention to the textures of the different objects, using different brushstrokes to create the illusion of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the composition and color relationships, making adjustments as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations in tone by adding white or black. Use red and yellow to create oranges and browns for the fruit and jars. Vary the blues with white and touches of green for the curtain.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the textures of the different objects.
- →Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, titanium white, viridian green, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium can help with blending and drying time.
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