plate no. 7123
The Music Lesson
Joseph DeCamp, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow in an interior scene, as well as creating soft, impressionistic brushstrokes to suggest form rather than define it sharply. It also provides practice in painting figures in a natural, unposed setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
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 the figures, piano, and window.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 04
Begin to develop the forms with slightly thicker paint, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within the light and shadow areas.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures, piano, and other elements, but avoid overworking any area.
- step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of luminosity.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber with white and small amounts of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson sparingly to create cooler shadows and subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the light and shadow areas.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to help create the broken color effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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