plate no. 3685
Listening to the Gramophone
Vladimir Makovsky, 1910
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing the atmosphere of a scene and rendering figures in a loosely realistic style. It also provides practice in depicting an interior space with multiple objects and light sources.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns, focusing on the areas of greatest contrast.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures and objects, paying attention to their forms and textures.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values, adjusting them as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Add highlights and details with thicker paint, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of unity.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · purple
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or black. Use thin washes of color to build up the layers and create depth.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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