plate no. 9422

In the Atelier

Bela Czobel, 1922

oilPost-Impressionisminteriorinteriorstill lifewindowreflectionflowerspainting

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice color mixing and layering to create depth and atmosphere. Students can also develop skills in capturing reflections and depicting various textures with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the window, table, and main objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the table.
step 03
Establish the values and colors of the reflection in the window.
step 04
Add details to the still life elements on the table, such as the flowers and fruit.
step 05
Refine the brushwork and add texture to the walls and other surfaces.
step 06
Develop the details of the painting within the reflection.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and contrast.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · viridian · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm wall color. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create the darker tones in the reflection and shadows. Mix white with the primary colors to create lighter tints.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·wet-on-dry layering
·alla prima
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the colors and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
→Not capturing the atmospheric perspective in the reflection.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, viridian, titanium white)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits