plate no. 0709

Bed time

Grace Cossington Smith, 1922

oilPost-Impressionisminteriorinteriorbedroombedchairtablewindow

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing color temperature and capturing the feeling of light in a room. Recreating it will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using brushstrokes to define form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: bed, chair, table, and window.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value and temperature.
step 03
Establish the light source and paint the shadows, paying attention to their shapes and edges.
step 04
Add details to the bedclothes, chair, and table, using short, visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, adjusting them to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Add the small details like the lamp and mirror.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · violet

Mix various shades of browns and pinks by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use small amounts of red and blue to create the violet shadows and accent colors.

techniques