plate no. 0086

Eating near the hearth

Noè Bordignon, 1900

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorfirechildrenhearthcooking

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in low light and creating a sense of atmosphere through subtle color variations and blending. It will also help with understanding warm and cool color relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and key elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the darkest values.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to the anatomy and drapery.
step 05
Refine the details, such as the faces, hands, and clothing.
step 06
Add the fire and its glow, using warm colors to create a focal point.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre with small amounts of black and white. Use red and blue sparingly to create subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·blending

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags

optional

·medium gloss
·retouch varnish

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for both smooth blending and visible brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.

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