plate no. 1669
The Table
Edouard Vuillard, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes and mixing subtle color variations to create a sense of atmosphere. It also encourages observation of reflections and transparency in glass objects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the table, figures, and objects.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values and working towards the lighter ones.
- step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the figures and objects with broader brushstrokes, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Add details to the flowers and glassware, capturing the highlights and reflections.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values, blending and layering as needed to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.
color palette
primary · gray · white · black · brown
secondary · pink · green · yellow
Achieve the various grays by mixing black and white with small amounts of other colors like brown, green, or blue. The pinks are muted, so mix red with white and a touch of gray or brown.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry layering
- ·alla prima
- ·implied detail
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in value.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the importance of negative space.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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