plate no. 5195
Studio Interior, Model for the Scenery of La Lepreuse
Edouard Vuillard, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior space, and practice creating depth using color and value variations. It also provides an opportunity to explore loose, expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the room (walls, ceiling, floor, window, furniture).
- step 02
Establish the main light source (window) and map out the areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the larger areas of color, focusing on the overall tonal relationships.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the furniture and architectural elements, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Pay attention to the color temperature shifts in the light and shadow areas.
- step 06
Add the small details on the table and window.
- step 07
Refine the edges and add final touches to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium red
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, white, and small amounts of blue or yellow. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red for the warmer tones in the wood and the red accent.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layered washes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive feel.
- →Creating too much contrast and losing the subtle tonal variations.
- →Ignoring the perspective and creating a distorted space.
- →Not using enough layers to create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for the dry brush technique. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Portrait of a Woman in Profile
Edouard Vuillard
Norman Earthenware (also known as A Pot from Rouen)
Pierre Bonnard
The Studio
Edouard Vuillard
Massif near the house
Edouard Vuillard
Lady at the Piano
Felix Vallotton
Interior
Pierre Bonnard
Anemones in a Chinese
Edouard Vuillard
The Vestibule at Saint Jacut de la mer
Edouard Vuillard