plate no. 5689

On the Terrace

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguregardenchairplantbookterrace

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to depict light and shadow on a figure and how to create a sense of depth in a landscape using color and brushwork. Students will also practice capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive strokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure and the surrounding elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, figure, and chair, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 03
Develop the light and shadow on the figure, using subtle variations in color to create form.
step 04
Add details to the face and hands, keeping the brushstrokes loose and expressive.
step 05
Refine the background, adding details to the plants and the terrace.
step 06
Pay attention to the edges of the shapes, softening them to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the warm tones of the skin and the background. Use viridian green and ultramarine blue to create the cool tones of the plants. Mix cadmium red light with white to create the pink tones of the face.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·alla prima
·color temperature
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the figure.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color that create form.
→Not paying attention to the edges of the shapes, which can make the painting look flat.