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home·artworks·Morning tea
Morning tea by Vladimir Makovsky

plate no. 0647

Morning tea

Vladimir Makovsky, 1891

oilRealismgenre paintinginteriorfigurestablecatroomfurniture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior setting and capturing the nuances of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering textures and patterns, such as the tablecloth and rug.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and key elements.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of warm and cool tones.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes and values of the figures and furniture.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the faces, clothing, and objects on the table.

  5. step 05

    Add texture and interest to the background elements, such as the walls and screen.

  6. step 06

    Refine the lighting and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Add the final details, such as the cat and the patterns on the rug.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw sienna

Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create warm browns and earth tones. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for dark shadows. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·layering
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
  • →Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#8 flat brush
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

optional

  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

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