plate no. 0736
Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris
Adolph Menzel, 1856
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a crowd and capturing the atmosphere of a dimly lit interior space using loose brushwork and value contrast.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Start with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, such as the architecture and the audience, with loose brushstrokes.
- step 04
Refine the figures on stage, paying attention to their poses and clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as the orchestra and the stage lighting.
- step 06
Use glazes to deepen shadows and create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Create a range of neutral tones by mixing burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to create cool shadows and depth. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium red light for warm highlights.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the brushstrokes.
- →Not capturing the atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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