plate no. 7080
Two Pink Roses
Horace Pippin, 1940
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the roses, leaves, and stems, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of yellow-green paint.
- step 03
Paint the leaves and stems with a dark green, allowing some of the background to show through.
- step 04
Mix a light pink for the roses and apply it in broad strokes, defining the petals.
- step 05
Add darker shades of pink and red to create depth and dimension within the roses.
- step 06
Refine the shapes of the leaves and stems, adding details where necessary.
- step 07
Add highlights to the roses and leaves to create a sense of light.
- step 08
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
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Making the colors too saturated or bright.
- →Not capturing the unique shapes of the roses and leaves.
- →Failing to create depth and dimension in the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (pink, red, green, yellow, white, black)
- ·Assorted paintbrushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
- ·Easel
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
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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