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Conversation by Berthe Morisot

plate no. 8223

Conversation

Berthe Morisot, 1891

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingfigureswomenhatsclothingportraitindoor
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing fleeting moments and using broken color to create form and light. It's a good exercise in simplifying details and focusing on the overall impression.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and hats using light pencil lines.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main color areas for the background, clothing, and skin tones with thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Start building up layers of color using short, broken brushstrokes, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.

  4. step 04

    Pay attention to the subtle color variations within each area, mixing colors directly on the canvas.

  5. step 05

    Define the facial features and details of the clothing with slightly more defined brushstrokes.

  6. step 06

    Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Soften edges and blend colors where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian · cadmium red light · raw umber

Mix pinks by combining white with alizarin crimson and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the blues in the clothing by mixing ultramarine with white and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use yellow ochre and raw umber to create the warm tones in the hair and background.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·wet-on-wet blending
  • ·scumbling
  • ·alla prima
  • ·color mixing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too much paint
  • →Creating muddy colors
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations
  • →Not capturing the light and shadow

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, titanium white, viridian)
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·painting knife

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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