plate no. 2904

Victorian Parlor Still Life

Horace Pippin, 1945

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)interiorinteriorflowerswindowcurtainsstatueschairs

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create texture and learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides an opportunity to explore color relationships and create a balanced composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the window, table, chairs, and statues.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the walls, floor, curtains, and sky.
step 03
Add the basic colors for the flowers and foliage, using simplified shapes.
step 04
Develop the details of the window frame and the branches outside.
step 05
Add texture to the curtains, chairs, and floor using visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the flowers, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Paint the statues, paying attention to their simplified forms and subtle shading.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive look.

color palette

primary · red · green · white · brown

secondary · yellow · blue · orange · gray

Mix muted tones by combining primary colors with white or gray. Achieve the curtain color by mixing red and brown. Use white to lighten the sky and add highlights to the flowers.

techniques