plate no. 2260

The smoking Hashish

Emile Bernard, 1900

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitclothinginstrumentcushionsinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and form using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and the main elements of the composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall values and proportions.
step 03
Start refining the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and light.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the stripes and folds, using a combination of thin washes and thicker brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the instrument and other accessories, focusing on their textures and shapes.
step 06
Add details to the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and black by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and ivory black. Use white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or cadmium red to warm up the skin tones.

techniques