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home·artworks·The Artist and His Model
The Artist and His Model by Edvard Munch

plate no. 7903

The Artist and His Model

Edvard Munch, 1921

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorroomportraitfurniturepainting
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood and atmosphere. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color, using thin washes of paint.

  3. step 03

    Establish the darkest and lightest values to create contrast and depth.

  4. step 04

    Develop the figures, paying attention to the proportions and facial features.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the background, such as the furniture and artwork.

  6. step 06

    Use expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement.

  7. step 07

    Refine the colors and values, adjusting them as needed to create a cohesive whole.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Cadmium Red · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Sienna · Emerald Green

Mix various shades of blue and white for the woman's robe. Use red and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the skin and walls. Add small amounts of green to neutralize the reds and create depth.

techniques

  • ·Impasto
  • ·Dry brushing
  • ·Color mixing
  • ·Layering
  • ·Expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the painting and losing the expressive quality.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.
  • →Ignoring the proportions of the figures.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
  • ·Oil paints
  • ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Palette knife

optional

  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Rags
  • ·Easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve a variety of textures.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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