plate no. 0018
Still Life with Chrysanthemums
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing soft floral forms with loose brushstrokes and understanding color temperature to create depth. Students can also learn to simplify complex patterns in the fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: pitcher, flowers, table, hat, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background with loose, blended brushstrokes, focusing on creating depth.
- step 04
Add details to the pitcher, using variations of green and blue to define its form.
- step 05
Build up the flower petals with short, broken strokes of white, pink, and hints of yellow.
- step 06
Define the hat with dark values, paying attention to its subtle form.
- step 07
Add the fabric details using a mix of colors and patterns, simplifying the design.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · white · green · brown · pink
secondary · blue · red · yellow
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with touches of brown. Achieve the pinks by mixing white with a small amount of red and a hint of yellow. Use browns and reds to create the dark background.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Making the colors too saturated, resulting in a less harmonious palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure, leading to a flat image.
- →Not simplifying the fabric pattern enough, making it too distracting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints (white, green, brown, pink, blue, red, yellow)
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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