plate no. 6378
The Absinthe Drinker
Leon Spilliaert, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create mood and atmosphere through limited color palettes and expressive brushwork. It also provides practice in portraiture and capturing a subject's emotional state.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the background, the figure's dress, hat, and skin tones.
- step 03
Start with the darkest values, gradually building up to the lighter tones.
- step 04
Pay close attention to the subtle color variations within the shadows and highlights.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes and mouth to capture the subject's expression.
- step 06
Add details such as the jewelry and the foliage in the background.
- step 07
Blend and soften edges where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · black · ultramarine blue · ivory white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber
Mix black with ultramarine blue to create the deep blues of the hat and dress. Use yellow ochre and white to create the pale skin tones, adding a touch of burnt umber for shadows.
techniques
- ·color blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushwork.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations within the shadows.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
A toned canvas can be helpful for establishing the overall color scheme.
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