plate no. 4405

When the Children have Gone to Bed

watercolor, paperArt Nouveau (Modern)genre paintinginteriorfigureswindowfurniturelampstove

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering interior spaces, capturing the effects of light and shadow, and depicting figures in a domestic setting. It also encourages careful observation of details and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and perspective lines of the room, including the furniture, figures, and window.
step 02
Establish the main light source (the lamp) and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin painting the background elements like the walls and floor, using diluted washes of color.
step 04
Paint the larger furniture pieces, such as the stove, table, and chairs, gradually building up the color and detail.
step 05
Add the figures, paying attention to their proportions and the way light falls on them.
step 06
Paint the details of the window, including the plants and the night sky visible through the glass.
step 07
Add the smaller details like the utensils, posters, and patterns on the textiles.
step 08
Refine the values and add final touches to create depth and realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

Mix raw umber and Prussian blue for the darker areas and shadows. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm tones of the furniture and lamp. Add titanium white to create lighter values and highlights.

techniques