plate no. 7938

Goodbye, Commercial Cafe

oil, woodRealismportraitfigurecolumnsinteriorstairstablearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in an architectural space and understanding atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, columns, table, and stairs.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 03
Begin to develop the figure, starting with the skin tones and then moving on to the clothing.
step 04
Add details to the columns, table, and stairs, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting, adding highlights and deepening shadows as needed.
step 06
Pay close attention to the details of the face and hands, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the reflections on the table and the texture of the columns.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any final adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · alizarin crimson · raw umber

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre with white for the warm tones of the columns and walls. Use ultramarine blue and white for the dress, adding a touch of crimson for shadows. Create skin tones by mixing white, crimson, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, which flattens the image.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (burnt sienna, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, raw umber)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags