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home·artworks·A Supper Party
A Supper Party by Julius LeBlanc Stewart

plate no. 9835

A Supper Party

Julius LeBlanc Stewart, 1903

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriortabledinnerpartyclothing
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex lighting and capturing the textures of fabrics. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the table.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color, such as the red wall and the dresses.

  3. step 03

    Begin to refine the forms of the figures, paying attention to the way the light falls on them.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.

  5. step 05

    Create the highlights and shadows to define the forms and create a sense of depth.

  6. step 06

    Paint the details of the table setting, including the glasses, bottles, and silverware.

  7. step 07

    Refine the background, adding details such as the paintings on the wall and the curtains.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and adjustments to the painting, ensuring that all the elements work together harmoniously.

color palette

primary · red · white · black · yellow ochre

secondary · brown · gold · gray · ivory

Mix various shades of red by combining red with burnt umber or black for darker tones, and white or yellow ochre for lighter tones. Achieve the off-white tones of the dresses by mixing white with small amounts of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and gray.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
  • →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
  • ·Oil paints (red, white, black, yellow ochre, burnt umber, burnt sienna)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Assorted brushes (round and flat, various sizes)
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Turpentine or mineral spirits
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
  • ·Varnish

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base for the painting.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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