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home·artworks·Esbjorn Doing His Homework
Esbjorn Doing His Homework by Carl Larsson

plate no. 3488

Esbjorn Doing His Homework

Carl Larsson

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)genre paintingboyinteriorroomwindowdeskfurniture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting interior spaces with accurate perspective and rendering light and shadow to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of different materials like wood, fabric, and paper using watercolor techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the room, focusing on the desk, window, and boy.

  2. step 02

    Establish the main color blocks for the walls, floor, and furniture using diluted washes.

  3. step 03

    Layer in the local colors of the boy's clothing, the desk, and the chair, gradually building up the intensity.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the background elements like the paintings, toys, and the view from the window.

  5. step 05

    Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the wooden surfaces and the boy's hair.

  6. step 06

    Define the shadows and highlights to create depth and form, paying attention to the light source from the window.

  7. step 07

    Add final details such as the books, papers, and small decorative elements.

  8. step 08

    Refine the edges and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of red and blue to create the various shades of yellow for the walls. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker tones for shadows and details.

techniques

  • ·watercolor washes
  • ·dry brush
  • ·layering
  • ·glazing
  • ·perspective drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the colors and losing the transparency of the watercolor.
  • →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective, making the room appear flat.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
  • →Not paying attention to the details, resulting in a less realistic and engaging painting.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

  • ·watercolor paints
  • ·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
  • ·watercolor paper (140lb)
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser
  • ·masking tape

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·ruler
  • ·watercolor pencils

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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