plate no. 0165

Changing Homes

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorweddingroomcurtainschandelier

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in complex compositions and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also offers practice in rendering intricate details of clothing and interior decor.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and key elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the background and large forms.
step 03
Develop the figures, starting with the bride and groom as the focal point, adding details and refining their forms.
step 04
Work on the surrounding figures, paying attention to their poses and interactions within the scene.
step 05
Add details to the interior, including the curtains, chandelier, and furniture, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and atmosphere, paying attention to the light source from the window.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life, such as the lace on the bride's dress and the reflections in the chandelier.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a cohesive and balanced final result.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian · ultramarine blue

Use raw umber and ivory black with white to create the muted tones of the interior. Mix alizarin crimson with white and yellow ochre for the pinks and reds in the clothing and furniture. Use viridian and ultramarine blue to create the greens in the curtains.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
→Getting lost in the complexity of the composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, viridian, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·selection of round and flat brushes (#2, #4, #6, #8)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags