plate no. 0669

The Music Room

Philip Wilson Steer, 1906

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorcouchinstrumentspaintingsroom

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex drapery and capturing the subtle light and shadow within an interior scene. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.

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 and proportions of the figures and major elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by laying in thin washes of color across the canvas.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and values of the figures, couch, and background.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures' faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Refine the details of the musical instruments, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 06
Add details to the background, including the paintings on the wall and the furniture.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or black. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the figures' clothing and the furniture.

techniques