plate no. 2792

Sunlight in a Cafeteria

Edward Hopper, 1958

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingfigurescafebuildinginteriortableslight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow to create depth and mood, as well as how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and major architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns, using a limited palette to create a sense of unity.
step 04
Refine the details of the figures, focusing on their expressions and gestures.
step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the windows and doors.
step 06
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna

Mix yellow ochre with white for the sunlit walls, ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the building exterior, and cadmium red with burnt umber for the dark wood.

techniques

·blocking in
·value studies
·color mixing
·glazing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of unity.
→Failing to accurately capture the light and shadow patterns.
→Using too many colors and creating a chaotic effect.
→Not simplifying the complex architectural details.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, raw sienna)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·rags