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Reading by Nicolae Vermont

plate no. 6230

Reading

Nicolae Vermont, 1919

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorbookchairwindowflowers
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on figures and drapery, as well as creating a sense of atmosphere through loose brushwork and color blending. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms and focus on capturing the overall impression of the scene.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure's clothing.

  3. step 03

    Establish the main light and shadow patterns, paying attention to the direction of the light source.

  4. step 04

    Begin to refine the details of the face, hands, and book, using smaller brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

  6. step 06

    Work on the details of the flowers and the window, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.

  7. step 07

    Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · black · green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of red by adding white, burnt umber, or a touch of black. Create warm browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Achieve the subtle greens by mixing yellow ochre and black.

techniques

  • ·alla prima
  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·wet-on-wet blending
  • ·impasto

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
  • →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
  • →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas 16x20
  • ·Oil paints: red, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, black, green
  • ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·mahl stick

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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