plate no. 3703
The Hat Shop
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a loose, impressionistic style. It also provides practice in depicting complex interior spaces with multiple light sources.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and major architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm undertones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and furniture, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the forms and create depth, using a limited palette.
- step 05
Add details to the hats and clothing, capturing their textures and patterns with loose brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating a sense of atmosphere and depth.
- step 07
Add highlights to the figures and objects to create focal points.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of the secondary colors. Use raw umber and white for the base tones, and add burnt sienna for warmth. Mix alizarin crimson and white for the pinks in the dresses and hats.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating overly saturated colors that clash with the muted palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better blending and layering. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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