Breakfast of the Birds by Gabriele Munter

plate no. 4889

Breakfast of the Birds

Gabriele Munter, 1934

oilExpressionismgenre paintinginteriorwindowbirdssnowtablefigure

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can learn to capture a scene's essence without intricate detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the window, table, and figure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, snow, curtains, and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Add the tree branches and the general shapes of the birds.
step 04
Refine the colors and shapes, paying attention to the light and shadow on the snow and the table.
step 05
Add details like the teapot, plates, and the individual birds.
step 06
Work on the background mountain shape and the snow on it.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and add final touches.
step 08
Review and adjust the painting to match the original's feel.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium yellow

secondary · alizarin crimson · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the snow and sky. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix crimson and umber for the curtains.

techniques

·color blocking
·simplified shapes
·impasto
·layering
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the painting's simplicity.
→Getting the proportions of the window and table wrong.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Not capturing the feeling of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·apron

Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics are easier for beginners, but oils offer richer colors.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

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