plate no. 1127

Study for 'A summer morning'

Rupert Bunny, 1908

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriordressmirrorwindowdomestic scene

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing fleeting moments and using loose brushwork to suggest form rather than define it precisely. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and compositional elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values in the background and working towards the lighter areas.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the way light falls across their forms.
step 04
Add details such as the mirror, window, and other objects in the room.
step 05
Use loose, expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and off-white by combining white, black, and a touch of raw umber. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle color variations in the figures and background.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, raw umber, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags