plate no. 2861
Across the Room
Edmund Charles Tarbell, 1899
some experience helpful
This painting offers a chance to practice capturing subtle light and shadow variations, particularly on the white dress, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to simplify complex forms and suggest details with loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the room, the figure, and the furniture.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Develop the figure, paying attention to the folds and drapery of the dress.
- step 05
Add details to the furniture and background, keeping the brushwork loose and expressive.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the overall balance of the painting.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of white by adding small amounts of raw umber, yellow ochre, or cerulean blue. Create the floor color by blending raw umber with ivory black and a touch of yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
- ·grisaille underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in the white dress.
- →Making the floor too uniform and lacking depth.
- →Ignoring the importance of reflected light.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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