plate no. 8694
The Sunflower Has Grown
Samuel Mutzner, 1944
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and layering colors to create texture. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the sunflowers, figure, and tree.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, sunflowers, foliage, and ground.
- step 03
Start adding details to the sunflowers, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Develop the foliage with layers of greens, yellows, and blues, varying the brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the figure with simple shapes and colors, capturing the light and shadow.
- step 06
Add details to the tree, focusing on the branches and leaves.
- step 07
Refine the sky and ground, adding subtle color variations.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · sap green · cerulean blue
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create earth tones by mixing browns with blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much detail and not simplifying the forms.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette of colors to create a harmonious painting. Experiment with different brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
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