plate no. 9490

Dvě děti

Josef Capek, 1923

oilExpressionismportraitfigureschildrenlandscapetreeswaterfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified figure drawing and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth in a landscape. It's also a good exercise in color mixing to achieve muted and harmonious tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figures and the landscape elements (ground, water, foliage) with light pencil lines.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted ochre or raw sienna to the background to create a warm undertone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures (skin tones, clothing) using simplified shapes and flat tones.
step 04
Start layering the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes of various greens and blues, creating a textured effect.
step 05
Add the water reflections using horizontal strokes of light blues and greens, blending them softly.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures, adding subtle shadows and highlights to define their forms.
step 07
Introduce small pops of color with the red flowers and other details.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre

secondary · Titanium white · Emerald green · Burnt umber

Mix muted greens by combining Prussian blue, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Create skin tones by blending cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white, adjusting the proportions for different shades.

techniques