
plate no. 7080
Horace Pippin, 1940
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using bold brushstrokes to define shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve specific hues.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic shapes of the roses, leaves, and stems, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
Block in the background with a thin layer of yellow-green paint.
Paint the leaves and stems with a dark green, allowing some of the background to show through.
Mix a light pink for the roses and apply it in broad strokes, defining the petals.
Add darker shades of pink and red to create depth and dimension within the roses.
Refine the shapes of the leaves and stems, adding details where necessary.
Add highlights to the roses and leaves to create a sense of light.
Add the artist's signature.
color palette
primary · pink · green · yellow
secondary · red · black
Mix pink by combining red and white. Achieve the background color by mixing yellow and green with a touch of white. Darken the greens with black or burnt umber.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to mimic the original painting's texture. Acrylic paints are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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