plate no. 0875

The Blue Lamp

John Duncan Fergusson, 1920

oilFauvismstill lifestill lifefruitflowerstablelampvessel

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using bold, expressive brushstrokes to capture light and shadow. It's also a good exercise in color mixing and understanding how colors interact with each other.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life, focusing on the placement of the fruit bowl, lamp, and other objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and tablecloth. Don't worry about details at this stage.
step 03
Mix the colors for the fruit, flowers, and lamp, paying attention to the variations in hue and value.
step 04
Apply the paint with bold, visible brushstrokes, following the direction of the forms.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details, such as the patterns on the tablecloth and the shapes of the flowers.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Let the painting dry completely.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

secondary · titanium white · viridian green · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine with white, crimson, or a touch of yellow. Achieve the orange hues by blending cadmium yellow and alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques