plate no. 2892
The Warped Table Still Life
Horace Pippin, 1940
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning to simplify forms and create texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can practice color mixing to achieve the muted tones and explore creating depth through layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the table, fruit, and rose, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background sky with a light blue wash.
- step 03
Paint the table with a base coat of brown, then add highlights and shadows.
- step 04
Fill in the fruit with their respective colors, layering to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the rose and foliage, paying attention to the shapes of the petals and leaves.
- step 06
Add details like the stems, seeds, and texture on the fruit.
- step 07
Refine the edges and add final highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Sign your work!
color palette
primary · red · yellow · brown · blue
secondary · pink · green · black
Mix browns from red, yellow, and black. Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors together.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details
- →Not simplifying shapes enough
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Assorted paint brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Water or solvent
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium for blending
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the brushstrokes.
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