plate no. 6048

Meditation

Gabriele Munter, 1917

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureflowerstablestill lifelampinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and texture. It's also a good exercise in color mixing and understanding how colors interact with each other.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the placement of the figure, flowers, and table.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values and working towards the lighter ones.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figure and other objects, paying attention to the negative space around them.
step 04
Add details to the face, flowers, and other elements, using small brushstrokes and varying the color and value.
step 05
Create texture by varying the direction and pressure of your brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · titanium white

Mix different shades of blue and green by combining ultramarine blue and viridian green with varying amounts of white. Create darker tones by adding ivory black to the primary colors.

techniques