plate no. 7981

Small card players

oilBaroquegenre paintingfigurescardstableinteriorchildrenshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to depict figures in a dimly lit environment. Students will also learn to mix realistic skin tones and render fabric textures.

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 figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the dark background and general light source.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and colors of each figure, starting with the darkest values.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, cards, and table, focusing on texture.
step 06
Develop the background further, adding subtle details and variations in tone.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, and a touch of red. Use black and umber for shadows. Create the red cloak by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt sienna and black for darker areas.

techniques