plate no. 8736
In atelier
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior scene, as well as capturing the texture of different materials with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in rendering the human figure in a relaxed pose.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and window.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and shadow areas with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, such as the walls, floor, and clothing, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the clothing and the shape of the face.
- step 05
Add details to the still life elements on the table and shelf, such as the vases and cups.
- step 06
Develop the background, focusing on the light filtering through the window and the patterns on the curtains.
- step 07
Add texture and depth to the painting by using visible brushstrokes and layering colors.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · crimson · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white
Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve the reddish-brown hues by mixing crimson and burnt umber.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth.
- →Failing to capture the relaxed pose of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, crimson, ivory black, yellow ochre, cerulean blue, titanium white)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish the base color.
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