plate no. 9623
In a Paris Cafe
Boris Grigoriev, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing figures in a crowded scene and using color to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex forms and focusing on expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color.
- step 03
Define the light source and add highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, focusing on their gestures and expressions.
- step 05
Refine the background and add any remaining details.
- step 06
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 07
Step back and review the painting, making any necessary corrections.
color palette
primary · red · brown · yellow · pink
secondary · blue · white · black
Mix browns and reds to create the warm tones of the interior. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blue and black to create shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →losing the overall color harmony
- →getting bogged down in realism
- →not simplifying the forms enough
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time.
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