plate no. 2616

Woman by a Goldfish Tank

Lovis Corinth, 1911

oilImpressionismgenre paintingwomaninteriorgoldfish tankplantschairwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow to create depth and dimension, as well as practice painting complex textures and patterns with loose brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, the goldfish tank, and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the contours of the face.
step 04
Work on the goldfish tank, layering colors to create the illusion of depth and transparency.
step 05
Add the plants and other details in the background, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Refine the values and colors throughout the painting, adjusting the contrast and saturation as needed.
step 07
Add final details, such as highlights and reflections, to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and evaluate the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments to the composition or color balance.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, viridian, and ultramarine blue. Use ivory black and raw umber to create dark shadows, and titanium white to create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·alla prima
·chiaroscuro
·wet-on-dry

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural look.
→Failing to establish a clear light source, leading to a lack of depth and dimension.
→Using colors that are too saturated, creating a garish and unrealistic effect.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.