plate no. 8808

Corner of a Cafe-Concert

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingcafefiguresbeerwaitressaudienceballerina

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to capture fleeting moments and create a sense of atmosphere using loose brushwork and color mixing. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a crowded scene and capturing the effects of light on different surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the main figures and their placement within the composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Start defining the main figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
step 04
Develop the background elements, using looser brushstrokes to create a sense of depth.
step 05
Add details to the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Capture the highlights and reflections on the beer glass and other surfaces.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring that the painting maintains a sense of spontaneity.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to enhance the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the cool tones in the clothing and background. Mix cadmium yellow and burnt umber for the warm tones in the beer and lighting.

techniques