plate no. 8038

Standing in the Sun

Istvan Farkas, 1943

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorchairwindowsunfloor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms and use color to create a mood. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow in an expressive way.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, chair, and window.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the sun.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the figure, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Add details to the chair and the floor, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, blending where necessary to create smooth transitions.
step 06
Add final details and highlights to the figure and the surrounding objects.
step 07
Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw sienna

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the darker areas. Use cadmium orange and white for the sun and the warm highlights. Mix yellow ochre with white for highlights on the figure and chair.

techniques