Oil Painting Step by Step

Lesson 12: Expressing Mood

with Caroline Zimmermann

Any subject can be used to convey a mood or an idea. Although still lifes are most commonly regarded as subjects for studying form and shape, many artists enjoy creating drama in a seemingly ordinary scene filled with everyday objects. For example, in this painting of sunflowers and bread, Caroline Zimmermann uses a relatively dark palette and a low, dim light source so the objects cast long, dark cast shadows. This variation of light and shade is called “chiaroscuro,” and it creates a dramatic, dusky feeling.

Color Palette

alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow light, cadmium yellow medium*, dioxazine purple*, Indian yellow*, lemon yellow, magenta*, phthalo blue, sap green, titanium white, transparent ...