plate no. 0507

Lectern

Sevket Dag, 1937

oil, canvasImpressionisminteriorinteriorwindowlecternbookcandletiles

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow, as well as creating texture through brushwork. It also provides practice in rendering complex shapes and patterns, such as the tiles and rug.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the window, lectern, and candle.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and details of the window, lectern, and candle.
step 04
Add the details of the tiles, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Paint the rug, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and pattern.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows, paying attention to the way the light interacts with the different surfaces.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the reflections in the window and the details on the lectern.
step 08
Let the painting dry and add a final layer of varnish for protection.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix blues and browns for the tiles, adding white for highlights. Use yellow ochre and white for the candle and window light. Mix reds and browns with blue for the rug.

techniques