plate no. 3710

Marie Poussepin Seated at a Table

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurenuntableclothingindoor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice broken color techniques and learn how to build form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to study subtle value shifts within a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and table using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of burnt umber to the entire canvas.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the background, the nun's habit, face, and the table.
step 04
Begin building up the form with short, broken brushstrokes, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.
step 05
Mix and apply variations of the primary colors to create depth and texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, paying attention to the subtle changes in value.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the clothing and table to create a sense of volume.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix burnt umber and white for the lighter areas of the habit and face. Add yellow ochre to the burnt umber for the background and table. Use small amounts of cadmium red light to add warmth to the skin tones.

techniques