
plate no. 8223
Berthe Morisot, 1891
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
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and hats using light pencil lines.
Block in the main color areas for the background, clothing, and skin tones with thin washes.
Start building up layers of color using short, broken brushstrokes, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.
Pay attention to the subtle color variations within each area, mixing colors directly on the canvas.
Define the facial features and details of the clothing with slightly more defined brushstrokes.
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
Soften edges and blend colors where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
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
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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