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Figure study by Santiago Rusinol

plate no. 9030

Figure study

Santiago Rusinol

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorwindowcurtainsbedroom
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in figure drawing and capturing subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements of the room.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.

  3. step 03

    Begin to refine the figure, paying attention to the proportions and anatomy.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the room, such as the curtains, bed, and window, using a variety of brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Mix and apply the colors for the skin tones, focusing on capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow.

  6. step 06

    Add the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.

  7. step 07

    Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix subtle grays and browns by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white. Use raw sienna and white for the highlights on the curtains and bed linens. Add small amounts of cadmium red light to the skin tones for warmth.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·blending
  • ·chiaroscuro

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 variations in light and shadow.
  • →Incorrect proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.

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related guides

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