plate no. 4221

At the Open Window

Konstantín Korovin, 1916

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresdresseswindowtableflowersinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with bold brushstrokes and mixing subtle color variations to create depth and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest shadows and lightest highlights.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, using broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 04
Pay close attention to the way light interacts with the figures and the surrounding objects, capturing the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Mix colors directly on the canvas to achieve a more spontaneous and painterly effect.
step 06
Refine the details, such as the facial features and the folds in the dresses, but avoid overworking any one area.
step 07
Add final touches of color and highlight to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments to the composition or color balance.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · raw umber

Achieve the subtle pinks and purples in the dresses by mixing titanium white with small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue. Use yellow ochre and raw umber to create the warm tones in the interior.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·alla prima
·scumbling
·color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overmixing colors, resulting in a muddy or lifeless palette.
→Focusing too much on detail, losing the overall impressionistic effect.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow, creating a flat or unrealistic image.
→Being afraid to use bold brushstrokes, resulting in a timid or hesitant painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, viridian green, alizarin crimson, raw umber)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags