plate no. 9754

Orange Sweater

Elmer Bischoff, 1955

oilExpressionismgenre paintinginteriorfigurewindowplanttableroom

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in capturing light and shadow within an interior space, and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students can develop their skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, and table.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working your way forward.
step 03
Mix and apply the various shades of gray and green for the walls and window frame.
step 04
Add the brighter colors of the figure's sweater and the details on the table.
step 05
Refine the shapes and edges, paying attention to the way the light falls on the objects.
step 06
Add details like the plant and the figure in the background.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final brushstrokes to enhance the texture and expressiveness of the painting.

color palette

primary · gray · green · orange · white

secondary · yellow · brown · blue

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black, blue, and brown. Achieve the green by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the hue with touches of brown or white. The orange can be toned down with a touch of brown or gray.

techniques