plate no. 0337
Absinthe drinkers
Jean Béraud, 1908
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, depicting reflective surfaces, and creating atmospheric perspective with color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall tonal range.
- step 03
Develop the background details, including the bottles and reflections.
- step 04
Refine the figures, paying attention to facial features and clothing details.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
- step 06
Work on the table and objects, capturing the textures and reflections.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.
- step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of other colors. Use glazes of diluted color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall color harmony.
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