plate no. 8359
Vase of flowers in the winter garden
Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky, 1935
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will learn to depict light and shadow within a complex scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the vase, table, and window.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background garden, the tablecloth, and the wall.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the flowers, using small, distinct brushstrokes.
- step 04
Develop the texture of the tablecloth and cushions with varied brushstrokes and color variations.
- step 05
Refine the details of the window frame and curtains.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Pay attention to the reflections in the glass vase.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · lemon yellow
secondary · sap green · titanium white · burnt umber
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Vary the blues by adding white or a touch of red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations within each area.
- →Not paying attention to the light source and its effect on the colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water for cleaning
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use good quality paints for best results. A medium can help with blending and glazing.
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