plate no. 7988
Still Life with Chip Frier
John Bratby, 1954
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering techniques to depict complex textures and forms. It also encourages observation of light and shadow on various objects.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of major objects.
- step 02
Block in the background and the table surface with broad strokes of color.
- step 03
Start defining the larger objects like the bowl and the chair, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 04
Begin layering colors and textures on each object, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the smaller objects, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the objects and create depth by adjusting the values and colors.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall texture and visual interest.
- step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium red
Achieve the muted tones by mixing white with small amounts of umber, blue, and ochre. Use red and yellow sparingly for highlights and accents.
techniques
- ·impasto
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to capture the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on individual objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·rags
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the impasto effect. Consider using a quick-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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