plate no. 0922

In the teahouses

Kuzmá Petrov-Vodkin, 1921

oilSymbolismportraitportraitfiguresmenclothinginteriorteahouse

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main figures and their proportions.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall tone.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones on the faces and clothing, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Gradually build up the darker values to define the forms and create contrast.
step 05
Mix and apply the skin tones, using a variety of warm and cool colors.
step 06
Add details such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for shadows. Use raw sienna and cadmium red light for warm skin tones. Add titanium white to lighten and create highlights.

techniques