plate no. 2713

Interior from the Church Trefoldighetskirken

Harriet Backer, 1908

oil, canvasNaturalismgenre paintingchurch interiorfiguresarchitecturearcheswindowsreligious

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural forms with loose brushwork. It also encourages the use of a limited palette to create a harmonious and unified composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective of the church interior.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thinned paint, focusing on the overall light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Develop the architectural details, such as the arches, columns, and windows, using loose brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the figures, paying attention to their placement and interaction within the scene.
step 06
Refine the details and textures, using dry brush techniques to create a sense of age and wear.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall sense of realism and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing raw umber and ivory black with varying amounts of titanium white. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to the highlights and burnt sienna for subtle reddish-brown accents.

techniques