
plate no. 3992
Meijer de Haan, 1889
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors and creating form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides a good exercise in observing and representing subtle color variations in shadows and highlights.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the ham, fruit, glass, and plate, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
Block in the background with a thin layer of pinkish-brown paint.
Establish the main color masses for the ham, fruit, and glass using simplified color mixtures.
Start building up layers of color on the ham, focusing on the variations in red and brown tones.
Add details to the fruit, paying attention to the highlights and shadows that define their forms.
Paint the glass, capturing its transparency and the reflections within.
Develop the table surface with layers of green, brown, and gray, creating a sense of depth and texture.
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · red ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of red and brown for the ham by combining red ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use small amounts of yellow and blue to create the greens and browns for the table.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color harmony.
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