plate no. 8719

Cell at Mount Athos

oilPost-Impressionisminteriorinteriorbedfurnitureroomtablewindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice loose brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of light and atmosphere. It also provides an opportunity to learn about simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the room, bed, and table, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background and floor.
step 03
Add darker values to define the forms and create shadows, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Develop the details of the bed and table with thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the bedspread and other patterned elements.
step 06
Refine the edges and add highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add the details of the metal bed frame using a thin brush and dark paint.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · black · red

Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre and blue to create the various shades of the walls and floor. Use burnt sienna and blue to create the dark tones for the bed frame.

techniques