plate no. 5189

Committee for the French Art Exhibition in Copenhagen

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfigurestableinteriormeetingportraitswindow

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, composition with multiple figures, and rendering subtle light and shadow variations. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on establishing the light source and how it affects the forms.
step 04
Start developing the individual figures, paying attention to proportions and facial features.
step 05
Gradually build up layers of color and detail, working from general to specific.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Pay attention to the background and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to create a cohesive and finished painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth colors with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.

techniques