plate no. 3336

Still Life with Mirror Clivia, Fruit and Jug

Max Pechstein, 1917

oilExpressionismstill lifestill lifeflowersfruitjugstablevases

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, particularly creating depth and shadow using a limited palette, and in capturing the essence of forms with simplified shapes and bold brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the objects.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, tablecloth, and major objects like the vases and jugs.
step 03
Start defining the shapes of the fruits and flowers, using simplified forms and bold color choices.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to create depth and volume, focusing on the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the objects, such as the texture of the grapes and the shape of the flower petals.
step 06
Add the background details, like the mirror and the frame, using loose and expressive brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · red · green · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · purple · white · orange

Mix various shades of red and orange for the tablecloth and fruit. Use green and yellow ochre for the foliage and vases. Create depth by mixing burnt umber with other colors for shadows.

techniques