plate no. 7006
Paris Saloon (Wife of the Artist)
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to suggest detail with loose brushwork and create depth using value and color temperature changes. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise rendering.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the main shapes and composition.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown and black.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the furniture and figure with mid-tone values.
- step 04
Add highlights to the figure's dress and the rug using lighter shades of white and cream.
- step 05
Develop the details of the fireplace and other objects, focusing on suggestion rather than precise rendering.
- step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
- step 07
Refine the values and colors, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix dark browns by combining burnt umber and ivory black. Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use sap green with burnt umber to create muted greens.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value studies
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and bright.
- →Not capturing the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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