plate no. 2832
On the dressing table
Raphael Kirchner, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal values, figure drawing, and creating a sense of depth with limited color. It's also a good exercise in capturing the elegance and style of the Art Nouveau era.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main objects.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values first, paying attention to the shadows on the figures and the chair.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, using diluted washes to create soft transitions.
- step 04
Define the details of the faces, hair, and clothing, using a finer brush.
- step 05
Add the details of the mirror, table, and other objects, paying attention to their relative values.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figures and objects, using a combination of hard and soft edges.
- step 07
Add any final details or highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · sepia · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber
Use varying dilutions of sepia and ivory black to create a range of grays. Add a touch of raw umber for warmth in certain areas.
techniques
- ·wash technique
- ·dry brushing
- ·tonal shading
- ·figure drawing
- ·line work
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·sepia watercolor
- ·ivory black watercolor
- ·titanium white watercolor
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·water container
- ·palette
- ·pencil
optional
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·ruler
- ·masking fluid
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure smooth washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.
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