plate no. 5937
Christmas
Jozsef Rippl-Ronai, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice broken color techniques and learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and colors. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall tones.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the figures and objects, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Develop the Christmas tree with layers of green and touches of color for ornaments.
- step 05
Refine the details of the piano and other furniture.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 08
Add final details and textures.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · black · white
secondary · red · green · blue · orange
Mix various shades of yellow ochre with white and burnt umber to create the wall color. Use black and burnt umber to create the dark tones of the piano. Mix primary colors to create secondary colors for the tree and rug.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·visible brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors, losing the texture of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not simplifying the shapes and forms.
- →Ignoring the overall color harmony.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·yellow ochre paint
- ·burnt umber paint
- ·black paint
- ·white paint
- ·assorted paint brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures. Consider using a painting medium to help with blending and drying time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
