plate no. 4945

Window Still-Life

Vanessa Bell, 1915

oilPost-Impressionismstill lifestill lifebottlesbowlwindowbuildinglandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and understanding how to mix and apply color in a post-impressionistic style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the bottles, bowl, and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the bottles, bowl, and background, using simplified shapes and colors.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes and colors, adding subtle variations and details to the objects and background.
step 04
Add the details to the bottles and bowl, such as the labels and the blue stripes.
step 05
Work on the background, adding details to the building, trees, and sky.
step 06
Refine the brushwork, using visible strokes to add texture and interest to the painting.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · cadmium red light · titanium white

Mix various shades of blue and grey for the bottles. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the building and bowl. Mix greens and blues for the background landscape.

techniques