plate no. 6696

Le lettre

Jean Béraud, 1908

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigurescafeinteriortablehatssmoke

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior setting and capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow on various surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and hue.
step 04
Focus on accurately depicting the skin tones and facial features of the figures.
step 05
Add details such as the hats, clothing, and objects on the table.
step 06
Create the illusion of depth by using atmospheric perspective and varying the level of detail in different areas of the painting.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in color.

techniques