plate no. 7318
Porcelain Figurines on a Stone Shelf
Konstantin Somov, 1930
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle gradations and in rendering the illusion of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the delicate details of small objects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figurines and the window.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, starting with the darkest areas and gradually working towards the lighter tones.
- step 03
Block in the basic colors of the figurines, focusing on capturing their overall form and value.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figurines, refining their shapes and adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the window and curtains, paying attention to the way light filters through the window and the folds in the fabric.
- step 06
Add the details of the shelf and the objects on it, such as the balls and the trim.
- step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use glazes of diluted color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 0-4)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 2-6)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use high-quality paints for best results. A toned canvas can help establish the overall color harmony.
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