plate no. 7911
On the Couch
Matej Sternen, 1909
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the couch's structure.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm undertones.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, paying attention to the light and shadow on the figure and couch.
- step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the highlights and shadows on the dress to create a sense of volume.
- step 06
Add details to the face and hands, using subtle color variations to create form.
- step 07
Refine the background and couch, adding details to create depth and visual interest.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · alizarin crimson
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium red light
Achieve the subtle variations in the dress by mixing white with small amounts of yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and ultramarine blue. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the warm tones of the couch and background.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the dress.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure early on.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. A limited palette will help simplify the color mixing process.
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