plate no. 7591

Scene in a Cellar

oilBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriorcellarvesselsarchitectureshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create form with light and shadow. It will also develop skills in depicting figures in a dimly lit environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main light areas on the figures and objects with a mid-tone mixture of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna.
step 04
Gradually build up the highlights on the figures, using thicker paint and adding more white to the mixture.
step 05
Define the shadows on the figures and objects, using darker mixtures of burnt umber, black, and a touch of blue.
step 06
Add details to the faces and hands, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 07
Refine the background and add details to the architectural elements, such as the shelf and the vessels.
step 08
Glaze over the painting with a thin layer of burnt umber to unify the colors and enhance the shadows.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use black and blue sparingly to create the deep shadows.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
→Using too much black, which can make the painting look muddy.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·burnt umber oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·burnt sienna oil paint
·ultramarine blue oil paint

Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to create a warmer base.

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