plate no. 5106
Reader Leaning Her Elbow on the Table
Henri Matisse, 1923
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing an interior scene with simplified forms and bold color choices. Students can develop skills in color mixing and layering to create depth and interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the room, table, figure, and window.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: walls, floor, table top, and figure's clothing.
- step 03
Add the main patterns: stripes on the floor, wallpaper, and rug.
- step 04
Define the figure's form and features with simple shapes and colors.
- step 05
Paint the details of the window and the flowers.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust the composition as needed.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · red · green · blue
secondary · white · brown · black
Mix greens by blending blues and yellows. Achieve muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors (e.g., a touch of red to green).
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified forms
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details
- →getting bogged down in realism
- →muddying the colors
- →losing the freshness of the brushstrokes
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and aid in blending.
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