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home·artworks·The Glass of Lilac
The Glass of Lilac by Georges Braque

plate no. 5794

The Glass of Lilac

Georges Braque, 1946

oil, canvasExpressionismstill lifestill lifeflowersvasetableleavesbackground
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for vibrant hues and how to create depth through layering and contrasting values. It also offers practice in capturing the essence of a subject with expressive brushstrokes rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the vase, flowers, and table.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with a base layer of yellow and red, establishing the overall color scheme.

  3. step 03

    Paint the vase using shades of green and yellow, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.

  4. step 04

    Add the leaves, using a mix of greens and dark blues to create depth and variation.

  5. step 05

    Paint the lilac flowers with purples and whites, using short, broken brushstrokes to capture their texture.

  6. step 06

    Define the table and tablecloth with its checkered pattern, using contrasting colors and values.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details and add any final touches, such as highlights on the vase and leaves.

  8. step 08

    Allow the painting to dry and then apply a varnish for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · sap green

secondary · purple · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and purples by combining red and blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling
  • ·color mixing
  • ·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
  • →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value contrast, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
  • →Not capturing the essence of the flowers and vase.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
  • ·mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)

optional

  • ·easel
  • ·apron
  • ·rags
  • ·varnish

Use good quality paints for vibrant colors. A medium can help with blending and layering.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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