plate no. 3885
Through the window
Leonid Sejka, 1966
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures, creating depth through layering, and understanding surrealist composition. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve muted and complex tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the table, objects, and window.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the table cloth.
- step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the objects on the table, focusing on their individual colors and textures.
- step 04
Add details to the window scene, including the mountains and sky.
- step 05
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add the smaller details, such as the patterns on the objects and the textures of the surfaces.
- step 07
Glaze layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or umber to dull the intensity. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color palette.
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