plate no. 5406

The Duet

Luke Fildes, 1927

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfigurespianointeriorroommusiccandlelight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students learn to depict figures in a dimly lit interior and practice capturing subtle tonal variations to create a sense of atmosphere. Students will also learn to simplify details and focus on the overall impression of the scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the piano.
step 02
Establish the overall tonal range by blocking in the dark areas with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Begin to build up the mid-tones, using a limited palette of browns, grays, and creams.
step 04
Add the highlights, focusing on the areas illuminated by the candlelight.
step 05
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 06
Add the details of the piano and the surrounding interior, simplifying the forms and focusing on the overall impression.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and details, such as the highlights on the figures' hair and clothing.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white

Mix browns and grays by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use titanium white sparingly to create highlights and subtle tonal variations.

techniques

·tonal painting
·limited palette
·scumbling
·glazing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too much white
→Failing to establish a strong tonal range
→Losing the sense of atmosphere
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt umber oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·raw sienna oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·linseed oil
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)

optional

·palette knife
·medium (e.g., Liquin)
·easel

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for this painting. A limited palette of oil paints will help to create a harmonious and unified color scheme.

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