plate no. 1377
In the Studio
Spyros Vassiliou, 1957
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones and fabric, and creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing realistic proportions and poses.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement within the composition.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of blue, establishing the overall tone of the painting.
- step 03
Start painting the figures, beginning with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 04
Mix and apply the base colors for the skin tones, dress, and black suit, focusing on accurate color matching.
- step 05
Add shadows and highlights to create form and dimension in the figures and clothing.
- step 06
Paint the window and the painting on the wall, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 07
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and other key areas.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and edges to create a cohesive and balanced painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black
secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of blue with white and a touch of red to achieve the background color. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and burnt sienna. Use black with a hint of blue for the dark suit.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions in the figures.
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water for cleaning
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time, but oils offer greater blending capabilities.
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