apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Maternity
Maternity by Charles Maurin

plate no. 3927

Maternity

Charles Maurin, 1893

oilPost-Impressionismsymbolic paintingfigureschildrenlandscapetreeswatersky
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also encourages experimentation with color and light to convey emotion.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to map out the overall composition and placement of figures.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background landscape, focusing on the atmospheric perspective to create depth.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical accuracy.

  4. step 04

    Develop the light source and shadows to create a sense of volume and drama.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the figures, including facial features and clothing.

  6. step 06

    Mix and apply colors to create the desired mood and atmosphere.

  7. step 07

    Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · titanium white

Achieve skin tones by mixing ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water. Mix yellows and blues for the greens in the landscape.

techniques

  • ·figure drawing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·color mixing
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of figures
  • →Overworking details too early
  • →Muddying colors by overmixing
  • →Ignoring atmospheric perspective

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ochre oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·cadmium yellow oil paint
  • ·alizarin crimson oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·assorted brushes

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

The Dinner Party

The Dinner Party

Jules-Alexandre Grun

La Fleuriste

La Fleuriste

Le Pho

Family on Vacation

Family on Vacation

Roman Selsky

Old wooden cottage in the snow

Old wooden cottage in the snow

Alfred Freddy Krupa

Paris Street

Paris Street

Maurice Utrillo

Grand bouquet of mimosa

Grand bouquet of mimosa

Moise Kisling

Versailles

Versailles

Alexandre Benois

Autumn Landscape with Birches

Autumn Landscape with Birches

Konstantin Gorbatov