plate no. 1659
Required Reading
Carl Larsson, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and learn to depict light and shadow within an interior space. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, such as the walls, floor, and furniture.
- step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and details of the furniture and figure.
- step 04
Add the details of the window and the view outside.
- step 05
Develop the light and shadow, focusing on the light source from the window.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure, including the face and clothing.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and realism.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · orange · green · white · blue
secondary · brown · yellow · red
Achieve the wall color by mixing orange with white and a touch of brown. The green furniture is a mix of green, white, and touches of yellow and brown. The floor is a mix of orange, brown, and white.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering form
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Not paying attention to the light source.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
