plate no. 5129

Les Dernières Nouvelles

wash, lavisRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriordogtablechairschildren

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal washes and capturing figures in a scene with limited color palette. It's a good exercise in creating depth and form using value alone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and objects, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas with a concentrated wash of sepia or burnt umber.
step 03
Apply lighter washes to create mid-tones, gradually building up the values.
step 04
Use a damp brush to soften edges and blend washes for a smooth transition.
step 05
Add details to the figures and objects with a fine brush, using darker washes for definition.
step 06
Create texture by dabbing or stippling the wash in certain areas.
step 07
Use diluted wash for background and create atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final highlights with very diluted wash or clean water to lift color.