plate no. 9360

Family

Tove Jansson, 1942

oilPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorchessfamilyportraitsfurniture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing likeness and emotion, and understanding complex compositions with multiple figures. It also provides practice in rendering subtle color variations and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the placement and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall composition and value structure.
step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle color variations and textures.
step 04
Refine the figures, focusing on capturing the likeness and expressions of each individual.
step 05
Add details to the chess board and other objects, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Work on the clothing and fabric folds, using layering and blending techniques.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a cohesive and balanced painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · gray · blue-gray · brown · ochre

secondary · green · black · white · red-brown

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray to subdue the intensity. Use thin glazes to create depth and luminosity.

techniques