plate no. 6186

Still Life with Proteas in a Vase with Zig Zag Pattern

oilExpressionismflower paintingflowersvaseleavesstill lifetableprotea

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and volume. It also provides experience in mixing muted colors and understanding color relationships.

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 vase, flowers, and leaves, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the background and table with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the vase, flowers, and leaves, using a limited palette.
step 04
Add layers of paint to build up the form and volume of each element, using visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details of the flowers and leaves, paying attention to their unique shapes and textures.
step 07
Add the zig-zag pattern to the vase.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · red-brown · green · yellow · white

secondary · orange · dark green · cream

Mix muted greens by combining yellow, blue, and a touch of red. Achieve the red-brown vase color by mixing red, brown, and a touch of black. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques