plate no. 8199

A Game of L'hombre in Brøndums Hotel

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigurestablecardssmokecandlelightinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict a scene with limited lighting and how to create atmospheric effects using loose brushwork. It also provides practice in painting figures in a dimly lit environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a diluted dark blue or black wash.
step 03
Begin building up the mid-tones, focusing on the areas around the candlelight.
step 04
Add the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
step 05
Paint the smoke using light, wispy brushstrokes, blending it softly into the background.
step 06
Add highlights to the faces, hands, and cards to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the objects on the table, such as the glasses and card box.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create a range of dark blues and browns. Use titanium white to create highlights and to lighten the blues and browns.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky and washed out.
→Not blending the smoke properly, which can make it look unnatural.