
plate no. 8250
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color layering and capturing the mood of an interior scene. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a relaxed, informal setting.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
Establish the background colors, starting with the wall and window areas.
Block in the main colors of the figures, bed, and carpet, using broad strokes.
Begin layering colors to create depth and dimension in the figures and clothing.
Add details to the faces, hands, and other focal points.
Refine the colors and values in the bed and carpet, adding shadows and highlights.
Add final details, such as the books, basket, and window details.
Adjust the overall composition and colors to achieve a harmonious balance.
color palette
primary · red · yellow · blue · green
secondary · white · black · brown
Mix various shades of red and brown for the carpet and figures. Use yellow and white to create the bright areas of the bed. Mix blue and green for the wall and basket.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Pastel paper or toned paper
required
optional
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to help the pastels adhere. Toned paper can help create a more unified color scheme.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides