plate no. 2474

Still life with fruit

Mary Fedden, 1997

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)still lifestill lifefruitlandscapetablebowlwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also offers practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the fruit, bowl, and landscape elements, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the table.
step 03
Add the main colors of the fruit, using simplified shapes and avoiding excessive detail.
step 04
Define the shapes of the fruit and bowl with darker and lighter values, creating a sense of volume.
step 05
Add the details of the landscape, such as the mountains and the sun.
step 06
Create texture by applying visible brushstrokes, especially in the background and on the fruit.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, adjusting them as needed to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details, such as the seeds in the melon and the pattern on the curtain.

color palette

primary · red · pink · orange · green

secondary · brown · white · grey

Mix various shades of pink and red by combining red with white. Achieve the brown tones by mixing red, green, and a touch of black. The grey for the bowl is created by mixing white with a small amount of black and brown.

techniques