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home·artworks·By happiness of others (Two fates)
By happiness of others (Two fates) by Grigoriy Myasoyedov

plate no. 9613

By happiness of others (Two fates)

Grigoriy Myasoyedov

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorroommotherchildfurniture
experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering complex drapery, capturing subtle light and shadow, and creating a sense of depth within an interior space. Students will also learn how to depict figures in a realistic and expressive manner.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of the background, walls, and floor.

  3. step 03

    Develop the figures, starting with the basic forms and gradually adding details to the faces, clothing, and hands.

  4. step 04

    Pay close attention to the drapery, using layers of paint to create the folds and highlights.

  5. step 05

    Render the furniture and other objects, focusing on their textures and forms.

  6. step 06

    Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as the patterns on the rug and the textures of the walls.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, colors, or values.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Achieve the muted greens of the walls by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt umber. Create the warm tones of the dresses by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·rendering fabric
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows
  • →Getting lost in the complexity of the composition

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·#10 filbert brush
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve its flow.

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