apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Interior with Figures
Interior with Figures by Pieter de Hooch

plate no. 9191

Interior with Figures

Pieter de Hooch, 1664

oil, canvasBaroquegenre paintinginteriorfigurestableroomarchitecturecarpet
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex patterns, atmospheric perspective, and capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow within an interior space. It also provides practice in painting figures in a realistic style.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and perspective, paying attention to the angles of the floor tiles and the placement of figures.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes of the walls, floor, and figures.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background details, starting with the wallpaper pattern and the painting above the fireplace. Use thin layers of paint to build up the complexity of the pattern.

  4. step 04

    Refine the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing and faces. Use small brushes to add details like folds in the fabric and highlights in the eyes.

  5. step 05

    Work on the table and carpet, carefully rendering the intricate patterns and textures. Use a dry brush technique to create a sense of depth and realism.

  6. step 06

    Add the final details, such as the reflections in the glasses and the shadows on the floor.

  7. step 07

    Glaze the painting with thin layers of transparent color to unify the composition and enhance the depth of the shadows.

  8. step 08

    Varnish the painting to protect it and bring out the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve the warm golden tones of the wallpaper by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the cool blues of the clothing, and add a touch of burnt umber to create shadows.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

  • →Getting lost in the details of the wallpaper pattern too early.
  • →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
  • →Overworking the figures and losing their naturalness.
  • →Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Girl with a Straw Hat

Girl with a Straw Hat

Judith Leyster

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Abraham Storck

Bathsheba Bathing

Bathsheba Bathing

Francesco Solimena

Repentant Peter

Repentant Peter

Guido Reni

Itinerant Musicians

Itinerant Musicians

Jacob Ochtervelt

Marie Christine

Marie Christine

Marcello Bacciarelli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Giulio Cesare Procaccini

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Philippe de Champaigne