plate no. 7910

Still life with samovar

Kuzmá Petrov-Vodkin, 1920

oilSymbolismstill lifestill lifeflowerssamovartableglassobjects

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting reflective surfaces and understanding color temperature variations within a limited palette. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of wooden surfaces and the delicate forms of flowers.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the samovar, flowers, and other objects.
step 02
Establish the background color of the wooden table with a base layer of blue and gray.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the samovar, focusing on capturing its metallic sheen and reflections.
step 04
Paint the flowers and foliage, using a variety of greens, whites, and reds to create depth and texture.
step 05
Add details to the glass, matchbox, and other objects, paying attention to their individual characteristics.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance its colors.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix various shades of blue and gray for the table. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the samovar. Mix white with small amounts of other colors to create the subtle variations in the flowers.

techniques