plate no. 2150

Sunday Rest

Carl Larsson, 1900

watercolor, paperArt Nouveau (Modern)interiorinteriortableflowersfiguredoorwaywood

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering wood textures, creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective, and capturing the subtle light and shadow within an interior space.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and perspective lines of the room and furniture.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with thin washes of color, focusing on the warm tones of the wood.
step 03
Layer in darker values to define the shadows and create depth, especially under the table and around the doorway.
step 04
Add details to the table, including the cloth, flowers, and other objects, paying attention to their individual colors and textures.
step 05
Paint the figure with soft, blended washes, capturing the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 06
Refine the details of the woodwork, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add final touches, such as the small details on the walls and the subtle reflections on the floor.
step 08
Review and adjust values and colors as needed to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw umber

Mix various shades of brown and tan by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and raw umber. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and to neutralize the warm tones. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create warmer browns.

techniques