plate no. 5172

A Game of Preference

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriortablecandlelightroomclock

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a dimly lit environment and understanding how light and shadow define form. Students will also practice creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the light source (candle) and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to anatomical proportions and facial expressions.
step 05
Add details to the background, including the wallpaper, clock, and other objects.
step 06
Refine the values and colors, gradually building up the layers of paint.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and details.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with small amounts of black and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light sparingly for highlights and warmth. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones.

techniques