plate no. 7837

Still Life with Narcissus and Mirror

Theodor Pallady, 1940

oilImpressionismstill lifestill lifeflowersmirrorfruittableobjects

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and form, as well as understanding how light interacts with different surfaces. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of objects rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background and largest shapes.
step 03
Develop the colors of the red box, green plate, and other objects, layering and blending as needed.
step 04
Add the yellow flowers, focusing on capturing their form and texture with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the mirror and its reflection, using darker tones to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the objects, such as the knife, bottle, and fruit, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and visual interest.

color palette

primary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow and white. Achieve the red box color by mixing burnt sienna with a touch of black and white for highlights. Use white and a touch of blue to create the light background.

techniques