plate no. 2576

Still Life with Carnations 1682

oilBaroqueflower paintingflowersbutterfliesfrogssnailleavestree trunk

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures, particularly the subtle variations in light and shadow on organic forms, and in creating depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the flowers, leaves, frogs, and tree trunk.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the flowers, leaves, and frogs, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Start building up layers of color, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value within each element.
step 05
Add details to the flowers, such as the delicate petals and stamen.
step 06
Refine the forms of the frogs and snail, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Paint the butterflies and moths, paying attention to the intricate patterns on their wings.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light · titanium white

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the pinks and reds of the carnations by mixing cadmium red light with titanium white, and adjust the tone with a touch of burnt umber.

techniques