plate no. 3497

Τhe strange light

George Mavroides, 1984

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurechairinteriortableobjectsroom

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a harmonious, albeit muted, palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the figure and major objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to define forms and add texture.
step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of browns, greens, and yellows, focusing on capturing the subtle color variations.
step 05
Define the edges of objects with bold, expressive brushstrokes, using darker colors to create contrast.
step 06
Add highlights and details to the figure and other focal points, using lighter colors and smaller brushstrokes.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and then apply a varnish to protect the surface.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · sap green

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white to soften the intensity. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber as a base for many of the colors.

techniques

·expressive brushwork
·alla prima
·color mixing
·layering
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Getting bogged down in details and failing to capture the overall mood and atmosphere.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them, resulting in a harsh and unnatural palette.
→Not paying attention to the value structure, resulting in a flat and unconvincing painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red light, sap green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags