plate no. 0047
Cafe
Panayiotis Tetsis, 1957
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and atmosphere. It also provides practice in depicting figures in various poses using a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of figures and furniture.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of paint, establishing the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Develop the figures, simplifying their forms and using color to suggest light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the background and foreground, such as the tables, chairs, and windows.
- step 05
Refine the brushwork, using short, visible strokes to create texture and interest.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green. Create grays and blues by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of raw umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and white.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·broken color
- ·simplified forms
- ·color temperature
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Ignoring the importance of color temperature in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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