plate no. 8358

Still life with chinoiseries

James Ensor, 1907

oilExpressionismstill lifestill lifetableclothvasesfigurinesmaskfan

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting various textures and forms within a complex still life arrangement, as well as understanding color relationships and creating depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition of the still life, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background colors, focusing on the overall color scheme and light source.
step 03
Start painting the tablecloth with broad strokes, capturing the folds and shadows.
step 04
Begin defining the individual objects (vases, figurines, mask, fan) with their local colors.
step 05
Add details and textures to each object, using layering and brushwork to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · emerald green · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of blue by combining cerulean blue with white and small amounts of other colors. Achieve the yellow ochre tones by mixing yellow with burnt sienna and white. Use small amounts of red and green to create variations in the shadows and highlights.

techniques