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home·artworks·Lunch with Otto Benzon
Lunch with Otto Benzon by Peder Severin Kroyer

plate no. 0914

Lunch with Otto Benzon

Peder Severin Kroyer, 1893

oilRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriortable settingfoodflowerskitchen
some experience helpful

This painting offers a chance to practice rendering figures in an interior setting with natural light and reflections on various objects. Students can learn to create depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.

  3. step 03

    Establish the light source and begin to build up the values, focusing on the highlights and shadows.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to facial features and clothing folds.

  5. step 05

    Work on the background and surrounding objects, gradually adding more detail and texture.

  6. step 06

    Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.

  7. step 07

    Add final details such as reflections and highlights to create a sense of realism.

  8. step 08

    Let it dry, then add a varnish layer.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and white for the walls and clothing. Use yellow ochre and white to create the warm tones of the skin and yellow dress. Mix raw umber and black for the darker areas.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling
  • ·glazing
  • ·broken color

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a clear light source.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.
  • →Not paying attention to the relationships between colors and values.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall color harmony.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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