plate no. 2410
Table for Ladies
Edward Hopper, 1930
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice painting figures in an interior setting and capturing the subtle light and shadow variations. Students can also learn about composition and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and largest shapes.
- step 03
Develop the values and shadows, focusing on the light source and how it affects different surfaces.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including facial features and clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the still life elements, such as the fruit and plants.
- step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a cohesive image.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of realism.
- step 08
Step back and review the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium yellow
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for warm browns. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for cool highlights on the white tablecloth. Mix cadmium red and burnt umber for the darker reds of the fruit.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the light source and creating inconsistent shadows.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not capturing the muted tones of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, viridian green, cadmium yellow)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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