plate no. 9258

Oranienbaum. The Monkey Cabinet in Roller Coaster hall

Alexandre Benois, 1900

graphite, watercolor, paperArt Nouveau (Modern)interiorinteriorroomfurnituredoorwayarchitectureornaments

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, watercolor washes, and rendering architectural details with light and shadow. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic perspective lines and shapes of the room, including the walls, doorway, and furniture.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to ensure accurate perspective.
step 03
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre to the areas illuminated by light from the doorway.
step 04
Mix a pale green and apply it to the wall panels, varying the tone slightly to create depth.
step 05
Add a light purple wash to the wall sections between the panels.
step 06
Paint the furniture with a light gray wash, suggesting the white fabric with subtle shadows.
step 07
Use a fine brush to add the gold ornamental details on the walls and doorway.
step 08
Refine the shadows and details, adding darker tones to create contrast and definition.