plate no. 5984

Reading by Candlelight

oil, canvasRomanticismgenre paintingfigurecandletablestill lifebookinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create a focal point using light. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and forms in low-light conditions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and candle.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black base layer.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones, focusing on the areas illuminated by the candlelight.
step 04
Carefully build up the highlights, paying attention to the way light reflects off different surfaces.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure, still life elements, and background.
step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to create depth and luminosity.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the dramatic effect.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm glow of candlelight by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of cadmium red and white. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the deep shadows.

techniques