plate no. 2918
Still Life with Lobster
Adalbert Schaffer, 1853
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic textures and understanding complex light and shadow relationships across various objects. It also provides practice in composing a detailed still life.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
- step 02
Block in the background with general tones, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
- step 03
Establish the basic colors and values of the table and drapery.
- step 04
Begin painting the larger objects like the lobster and pitcher, focusing on accurate color and form.
- step 05
Add details to the grapes, leaves, and other smaller elements.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and add richness.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the subtle variations in the drapery by mixing white with small amounts of umber, sienna, and blue. The lobster's color is achieved through layering reds and oranges, with touches of brown and white for highlights.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·rendering textures
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details too early in the process.
- →Incorrectly judging the values, leading to a flat appearance.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the drapery.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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