plate no. 4243

Green Bathtub

Elmer Bischoff, 1954

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurechildbathtubinteriordomestic scenered cloth

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive image. Students will also learn to capture the essence of a scene with loose brushstrokes and minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures.
step 03
Gradually add details and refine the shapes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Mix the skin tones using a limited palette of reds, yellows, and whites.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Add the red cloth, focusing on the folds and highlights.
step 07
Refine the details of the child's face and the bathtub.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green. Create skin tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use burnt umber to create dark shadows and outlines.

techniques