plate no. 2807

The Tottenham Distillery

Walter Sickert, 1924

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorkitchenmenu boardarchitecturefood preparation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing the essence of a scene with loose brushwork and understanding how to create a sense of depth using subtle value changes and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Start building up the darker values, focusing on the shadows and defining the forms.
step 04
Add the lighter values, paying attention to the highlights and creating a sense of light.
step 05
Refine the details, such as the figures and the menu board, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Add texture and interest with visible brushstrokes, varying the direction and pressure.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · payne's gray · burnt sienna

Mix raw umber and white for the light grays, add yellow ochre for warmer tones. Use payne's gray and burnt sienna to create the darker browns and blacks.

techniques