plate no. 0618

Sur Le Seuil

Theophile Steinlen, 1902

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationfiguredoorwayinteriorshadowlightportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand value relationships and how to create depth using only a limited palette. It also provides practice in rendering textures using hatching and cross-hatching techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, doorway, and surrounding space, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a diluted dark color wash.
step 03
Begin building up the darker values in the background and figure using hatching and cross-hatching.
step 04
Define the light source and begin to add lighter values to the doorway and figure, leaving some areas untouched to represent highlights.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, adding texture and subtle variations in value.
step 06
Strengthen the contrast between light and dark areas to create a sense of depth and drama.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a protective varnish.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix ivory black with small amounts of raw umber to create a range of warm blacks. Use titanium white to create lighter values and payne's gray for cooler shadows.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·dry brushing
·value studies
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
→Overworking the details, leading to a cluttered and confusing composition.
→Ignoring the importance of negative space in creating a sense of depth.
→Not using enough contrast to create a focal point.