plate no. 9150
At The Studio
Georgios Jakobides, 1884
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing figures in dynamic poses and using broken color to suggest form and light. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through layering and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and table, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for each figure and the background, using broad brushstrokes.
- step 04
Begin layering colors, paying attention to how light and shadow define the forms.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a harmonious effect.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with small amounts of blue and white. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Getting bogged down in details before establishing the overall form.
- →Not paying attention to the relationships between colors and values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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