plate no. 3491

Interior Strandgade 30

Vilhelm Hammershøi, 1901

oilImpressionisminteriorinteriordoorwaysfigurechairarchitecturelight

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice subtle value shifts and atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to create depth and mood using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the room, doors, and chair.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a value map.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the floor and walls.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the doors and architectural details.
step 05
Add the figure in the doorway, focusing on its silhouette.
step 06
Develop the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the walls and floor.
step 07
Add details like the door handles and picture frames.
step 08
Make final adjustments to values and edges to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Achieve the various grays by mixing black and white, adjusting with small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre for warmth or coolness. Use Payne's gray for the darkest shadows.

techniques