plate no. 0015
Village Cafe
Albert Marquet, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and using broken color to create a sense of light and texture. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes and focusing on essential forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Establish the basic values and light/shadow patterns.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures and objects, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Mix and apply subtle color variations to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes of color to build up layers and create depth.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and bright.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting.
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