plate no. 1961
Stone maiden (Still life)
Natalia Goncharova, 1908
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting form with simplified shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive mood. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, vase, and flower arrangement, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark, muted color.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of color to the figure, vase, and flower, using a mid-tone.
- step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms.
- step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight the forms and create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the vase and flower, paying attention to the patterns and textures.
- step 07
Add final touches to the figure, such as the facial features and the details of the hands.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and details.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · purple
Mix raw umber and ultramarine blue to create the darker tones for the shadows. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix ultramarine blue and a touch of red to achieve the purple hues.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of form
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not capturing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a limited palette to maintain color harmony. Experiment with different brushstrokes to achieve the desired texture.
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