plate no. 6186

Sunflowers

Matthew Smith, 1919

oilPost-Impressionismflower paintingsunflowerleavesvasestill lifeflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. It's a good exercise in observing and mixing colors to capture the overall mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the vase, sunflower, and leaves, focusing on their proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of pink, varying the tones slightly.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the sunflower (yellow), leaves (green), and vase (off-white) with broad strokes.
step 04
Add darker values to define the shadows and form of the vase and the center of the sunflower.
step 05
Introduce highlights to the leaves and vase to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the leaves and petals, adding details with thicker brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final touches and details to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white · rose madder

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green with small amounts of blue. Create variations in the pink background by adding white or a touch of umber to the rose madder.

techniques