plate no. 2416
In the cafe
Grigor Khanjyan, 1976
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering pastel colors to create depth and form, and in capturing subtle variations in light and shadow on different textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch to define the main shapes and composition.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of pastel, focusing on the overall value.
- step 03
Block in the main figures and objects, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the forms, starting with the darker values and gradually adding highlights.
- step 05
Work on the details of the faces and clothing, using smaller strokes to create texture and definition.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the objects, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and form.
- step 08
Blend and smudge areas as needed to create smooth transitions and soft edges.
color palette
primary · gray · brown · white
secondary · blue · red · pink
Mix grays by blending white, black, and brown pastels. Achieve skin tones by layering pink, brown, and yellow pastels.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·smudging
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the pastel and losing the freshness of the strokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-blending.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
materials
surface · Pastel paper (toned)
required
- ·Pastel set (soft and hard)
- ·Pastel paper (toned)
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stumps
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pencil
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Workable fixative
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastel. Use a workable fixative to prevent smudging and allow for layering.
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