plate no. 6030
Double portrait of the artist and his wife seen through a mirror
Vilhelm Hammershøi, 1911
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice subtle color mixing and creating a sense of depth through tonal variations. Students can develop skills in rendering figures and architectural elements in a muted, atmospheric style.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the oval shape of the mirror and the placement of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with a thin wash of neutral color.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the larger shapes of the figures and the architectural elements, focusing on accurate proportions.
- step 04
Mix and apply the subtle color variations in the skin tones, clothing, and background.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, using small brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to the windows and door, creating a sense of depth and light.
- step 07
Adjust the overall tonal values to create a harmonious and atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final details and refine edges.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Achieve the muted tones by mixing black and white with small amounts of raw umber and yellow ochre. Use payne's gray for cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·tonal painting
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·limited palette
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a fine-grain canvas for smoother blending. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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