plate no. 4982
The End of Dinner
Jules-Alexandre Grun, 1913
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with multiple figures and objects, as well as understanding how light affects color and creates atmosphere. It will also teach them to simplify complex details into suggestive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure, blocking in dark and light areas.
- step 03
Begin painting the background, working from dark to light.
- step 04
Paint the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the faces and clothing.
- step 06
Paint the tablecloth and silverware, paying attention to the reflections.
- step 07
Add the details of the lamps and flowers, using small brushstrokes.
- step 08
Refine the painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, cadmium red, and ivory black to create the warm, muted tones of the tablecloth and clothing. Use ultramarine blue and viridian to create the dark greens in the background.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones.
- →Not capturing the subtle shifts in light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x36
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to speed up the drying time of the oil paints.
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