plate no. 1112
Breakfast In The Green
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portrait painting, capturing light and shadow on a figure, and rendering textures like fabric and foliage. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the table, and the background.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color, focusing on the background foliage first.
- step 03
Start defining the figure's form by applying mid-tones and shadows, paying attention to the light source.
- step 04
Work on the details of the face, capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
- step 05
Paint the table setting, focusing on the reflections and highlights on the silverware.
- step 06
Refine the details of the clothing, adding texture and folds.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the background foliage to create depth.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, ensuring that all elements are in harmony.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of green for the foliage by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of raw umber. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve the gray tones of the suit by mixing ivory black and titanium white with small amounts of raw umber and alizarin crimson.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for the brushwork.
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