plate no. 1149

Still Life with Churn

Paul Serusier, 1925

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismstill lifestill lifechurnpitcherbowltablekitchenware

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and layering brushstrokes to create texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition of the still life, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with dark, muted tones.
step 03
Establish the base colors for each object: the red bowl, the wooden churn, the pitcher, etc.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and form, focusing on highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the objects, such as the patterns on the pitcher and the texture of the butter.
step 06
Refine the checkered pattern on the table, ensuring the perspective is consistent.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · red ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., red and green, blue and orange) with white. Use burnt umber and white for shadows and highlights.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·color layering
·scumbling
·blocking in
·simplifying forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Not establishing a strong value structure
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Incorrect proportions of the objects

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (red ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, Prussian blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags