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home·artworks·In Church
In Church by James Tissot

plate no. 4680

In Church

James Tissot, 1869

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfigurechurch interiorstained glasswooden furnitureclothingarchitecture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures in a complex interior setting and understanding the use of light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure of the scene.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background elements, starting with the stained glass window and the wooden furniture.

  4. step 04

    Refine the figures, paying close attention to the details of their clothing and facial features.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

  6. step 06

    Work on the textures of the different materials, such as the wood, fabric, and glass.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of secondary colors. Use white to lighten values and black to darken them. The green of the cape is likely a mix of yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of blue.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·rendering textures

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of figures and architecture.
  • →Overly bright or saturated colors.
  • →Lack of depth and dimension.
  • →Inaccurate rendering of textures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouching varnish
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall value structure of the painting.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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