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home·artworks·Two girls arranging flowers
Two girls arranging flowers by Alexei Harlamoff

plate no. 4657

Two girls arranging flowers

Alexei Harlamoff

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresflowersbasketinteriorchildrenclothing
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and clothing, as well as creating depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and brushwork. The painting also offers a good opportunity to practice painting flowers and foliage.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the basket.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and flowers using thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the clothing, capturing the textures and patterns.

  5. step 05

    Paint the flowers and foliage, varying the colors and shapes to create a sense of realism.

  6. step 06

    Refine the background, adding subtle details and textures.

  7. step 07

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a harmonious effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and floor. Use alizarin crimson and white for the pinks in the flowers. Mix greens with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Neglecting the importance of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow light, viridian)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more harmonious effect.

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