plate no. 7200

Young Couple

Heinrich Campendonk, 1915

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorwindowtablebottleportraits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and define form. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes and non-realistic color choices.

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 figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using thin washes to establish the overall color scheme.
step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
step 05
Mix and apply the secondary colors, paying attention to how they interact with the primary colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures and objects, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

primary · yellow · red · green · blue

secondary · orange · brown · black · white

Achieve the various shades of green by mixing yellow and blue. Create muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors (e.g., a touch of red to green).

techniques