plate no. 1070

An Afternoon Tea

Federico Andreotti, 1900

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresgardenbuildingtabledogtrees

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, capturing intricate details in clothing, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures like fabric and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures, building, and table, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, creating the atmospheric perspective of the garden and sky.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the building and the table, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Start painting the figures, beginning with the larger forms of their clothing and gradually adding details.
step 05
Focus on the faces, capturing the expressions and features of each figure.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as the lace, ribbons, and floral patterns.
step 07
Paint the dog, paying attention to its anatomy and fur texture.
step 08
Refine the details of the background, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · viridian

Mix various shades of pink for the dresses by combining cadmium red and titanium white. Achieve the blue-gray tones of the men's coats by mixing ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the building's warm tones.

techniques