plate no. 1924

Have You Seen My Kitten?

Hans Andersen Brendekilde, 1914

oilRealismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingflowersgardendollcat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a natural setting and capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow on textured surfaces. Students will also learn to create depth using atmospheric perspective and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of color, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes of the figures, adding details to their clothing and facial features.
step 04
Develop the background elements, such as the building, flowers, and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Pay close attention to the colors of the flowers and how they interact with the surrounding light.
step 06
Add the details of the dolls and the cat, focusing on their forms and textures.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna

Achieve the off-white of the building by mixing titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber. Create the greens by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use cadmium red and burnt umber for the door and the red accents in the clothing.

techniques