plate no. 3747
Afternoon Tea
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and understand how to create depth using subtle value shifts. It also provides an opportunity to study the effects of light on different surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and door.
- step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and the still life elements.
- step 04
Begin layering darker tones to define the shadows and create form.
- step 05
Add highlights to the figure, flowers, and tableware to create a sense of light.
- step 06
Refine the details of the lace collar and the floral patterns on the vase.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve a harmonious effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights, paying attention to the texture of the brushstrokes.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · cerulean blue · sap green
Mix ivory black and raw umber with varying amounts of titanium white to create the range of neutral tones. Use small amounts of cadmium red and cerulean blue to create the pinks and blues in the flowers and vase.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle value shifts.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the overall sense of light and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for optimal texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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