plate no. 1509
Three Black Cats
Maud Lewis, 1955
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and layering colors. Students will learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes and achieve a folk art style.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cats, flowers, and background.
- step 02
Block in the background with a flat layer of green and blue for the sky.
- step 03
Paint the cats with solid black, leaving space for the eyes and whiskers.
- step 04
Add the flowers and tulips using simple shapes and bright colors.
- step 05
Create texture on the cats by using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details like the cats' eyes, whiskers, and flower details.
- step 07
Refine the shapes and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights.
color palette
primary · black · green · white
secondary · red · yellow · purple · pink · blue
Mix white with small amounts of red to achieve the pinks in the flowers. Use pure colors straight from the tube for the tulips.
techniques
- ·flat washes
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·simplified shapes
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the naive style.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Making the cats too realistic.
- →Not simplifying the flower shapes enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Water or solvent (depending on paint type)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use a textured canvas to enhance the brushstroke effect. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time.
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