plate no. 8784

In the Old Palace, Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

oilImpressionisminteriorinteriorfiguressculpturesarchitecturetableflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color temperature and how to create depth using subtle shifts in color. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of forms with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the perspective of the room.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the blue walls and ceiling.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and architectural details.
step 04
Paint the figures, focusing on capturing their poses and clothing with simplified shapes.
step 05
Add the details of the sculptures and other decorative elements.
step 06
Introduce the greens of the foliage seen through the doorway.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, blending where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details, such as the flowers and patterns on the table cloths.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of blue by combining cerulean blue with white and small amounts of raw umber. Achieve the greens by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use red and umber to create the pinks and browns.

techniques