plate no. 2971

Tomtar

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationfigurestreesbirdsfoliagenightflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing delicate brushwork for details like the flowers and birds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the tree.
step 02
Establish the background with a wash of muted greens and blues, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the figures with their respective colors (red for the man, white/cream for the woman).
step 04
Add details to the tree, including the hanging elements and the subtle variations in color.
step 05
Paint the birds, paying attention to their delicate forms and placement.
step 06
Add the white flowers in the foreground, using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the figures, including the folds in their clothing and their facial features.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · red · white · green · grey

secondary · yellow · blue · brown

Mix muted greens by combining green with brown and grey. Achieve the red by mixing a crimson base with touches of brown and white for highlights. Use white with hints of yellow and grey for the woman's dress.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, losing the overall atmospheric effect.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, clashing with the muted palette.
→Not paying attention to the relative scale of the figures and the surrounding elements.
→Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.