plate no. 1370

Twenty-Three Fifth Avenue

William James Glackens, 1910

oilImpressionisminteriorinteriorchairswindowcurtainstablefireplace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow within an interior scene and practice loose, expressive brushwork to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the chairs, window, and other key elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the canvas, paying attention to the light source and its effect on the scene.
step 03
Block in the larger areas of color, such as the walls, floor, and curtains, using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the chairs and other objects, adding details and patterns as needed.
step 05
Work on the highlights and shadows, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as the reflections in the window and the patterns on the chairs.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · viridian

Mix browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Add small amounts of red or yellow to warm the colors, and blue or green to cool them.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original painting.
→Failing to capture the light and shadow accurately, resulting in a flat or unrealistic scene.
→Using too much detail in the shadows.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette
·assorted brushes
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a variety of brush sizes and shapes to create different textures and effects. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.

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