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home·artworks·Grammar
Grammar by Paul Serusier

plate no. 7183

Grammar

Paul Serusier, 1892

oil, canvasCloisonnismgenre paintingfigurebooksinteriorreadingstill lifevase
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and stylized image. It also provides an opportunity to explore the use of visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure, books, and vase.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color using thin washes, starting with the background and then moving to the figure and objects.

  3. step 03

    Gradually build up the colors, adding layers of paint to create depth and dimension.

  4. step 04

    Define the edges of the shapes with darker tones, using a dry brush technique to create texture.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights to the figure and objects to create a sense of form and volume.

  6. step 06

    Refine the details of the figure's face and hands, paying attention to the proportions and features.

  7. step 07

    Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

  8. step 08

    Allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt sienna

secondary · Olive green · Black

Mix Prussian blue and yellow ochre to create the various shades of green in the background and vase. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm tones in the books and figure. Add black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques

  • ·Blocking in
  • ·Dry brushing
  • ·Color mixing
  • ·Simplifying forms
  • ·Layering

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too many colors
  • →Losing the overall composition
  • →Ignoring the value structure

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Yellow ochre, Burnt sienna, Black, Titanium white)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Retarder

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better brushstroke visibility. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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