plate no. 9589

Dice Players

oil, canvasBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriortabledicemenwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the nuances of light and shadow on fabric and skin.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the table.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and table with thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to build up the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the skin tones by layering different shades of warm and cool colors.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the hats, shoes, and dice.
step 06
Work on the background, adding details to the window and the surrounding walls.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors of the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red light for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the darker shades in the clothing and background.

techniques