plate no. 5002

The Lanterns

Charles Courtney Curran, 1910

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigureslanternsgardennightflowerslight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow in a nighttime scene, as well as how to create atmospheric perspective and soft edges.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and lanterns.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of dark blues, browns, and greens.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and flowers with muted tones.
step 04
Begin layering in the light emanating from the lanterns, using yellows, oranges, and whites.
step 05
Carefully blend the edges of the light to create a soft, glowing effect.
step 06
Add details to the figures and flowers, paying attention to the way the light interacts with them.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · sap green

Achieve the glowing lantern light by mixing yellows with white and a touch of orange. Create the dark background by mixing blues, browns, and greens, adjusting the proportions to create subtle variations in tone.

techniques