plate no. 8694
The Sunflower Has Grown
Samuel Mutzner, 1944
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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