plate no. 4389

The Red Carpet

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorwindowbuildingchaircarpet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors. It also provides an opportunity to practice loose, expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, and chairs.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the red carpet, the gray wall, the buildings outside the window, and the dark figure.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and values, paying attention to the light source coming from the window.
step 04
Add details to the figure and the objects in the room, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 05
Mix and apply highlights to the figure, the chair and the curtain to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings seen through the window, keeping them soft and slightly blurred.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust the values as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · red · gray · black · white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and a touch of blue or brown. Achieve the red carpet color by mixing red with burnt umber for depth and shadow.

techniques