plate no. 2062

Josephine Knitting

Edmund Charles Tarbell, 1916

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorroomwindowchairtable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing subtle light and shadow variations and creating a sense of depth within an interior space. It also offers practice in painting figures in a natural, relaxed pose.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm tones for the walls and cooler tones for the shadows.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and posture.
step 04
Develop the background, focusing on the light filtering through the window and the details of the open doorway.
step 05
Refine the figure's features and clothing, adding details like the hands and the texture of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the table and bowl, capturing the subtle reflections and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism and visual interest.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of beige and brown for the walls and furniture by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create muted grays for shadows.

techniques

·underpainting
·scumbling
·glazing
·broken color
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in light and shadow.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, ivory black, titanium white, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags