plate no. 0035

The French Fan

Emil Carlsen, 1922

oilImpressionismstill lifefanstatuebottlesstill lifefiguresbackground pattern

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering subtle color variations and creating a sense of depth through layering and soft blending. It also provides practice in depicting different textures, such as the smooth glass and the intricate details of the fan.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the fan, statue, and bottles.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of color, including the subtle pattern.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the fan, statue, and bottles, paying attention to their relative values.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and form, using soft blending techniques.
step 05
Add details to the fan, including the figures and intricate patterns.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows on the statue and bottles to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · viridian · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to soften the intensity. The green of the statue can be created by mixing viridian with raw umber and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques