plate no. 9648

Smokers in an interior

oil, canvasBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriortablesmokerscandlelightgroup portrait

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to depict figures in low light conditions. It also provides practice in rendering different textures and fabrics.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to create the dramatic lighting effect.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and the background.
step 04
Begin layering and blending the colors to create depth and form.
step 05
Pay close attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the faces and hands.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as the lace collars and the folds in the fabric.
step 07
Refine the details of the table and the objects on it.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the dark shadows. Mix raw sienna and titanium white for the lighter areas. Add small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques