plate no. 8264
Stillife
Robert Falk, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for muted tones and practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in representing light and shadow in a stylized manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for each object and the background, using simplified shapes.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and add basic shading to define the forms.
- step 04
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each object to create depth.
- step 05
Add details such as the highlights on the pitcher and the patterns on the cloth.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to match the original painting's overall tone.
- step 07
Refine edges to create the desired level of sharpness or softness.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · mauve · green · blue · white
secondary · red · yellow · grey
Achieve the mauve color by mixing red, blue, and white. Muted greens can be created by mixing green with brown or grey. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified shading
- ·geometric simplification
- ·muted color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes within each object.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Incorrect proportions of objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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