plate no. 8293

Three Women at the Table by the Lamp

August Macke, 1912

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfigurestablelampstill lifeinteriorbottle

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and practice expressive brushwork to convey form and light. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette to create a cohesive and impactful image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of the figures, table, and objects.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, table, and figures using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to build up the forms by adding layers of color, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Define the shapes of the figures and objects with bolder brushstrokes and darker values.
step 05
Add details to the faces, clothing, and still life objects, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and viridian green. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Darken colors with burnt umber.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Not paying attention to the overall composition and color harmony.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, titanium white, viridian green, burnt umber)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags