plate no. 3369

Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya

oilPost-Impressionismhistory paintingfiguresinteriorclockdressold woman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering skin tones and drapery, and understanding how to create a somber mood through color and value.

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 and proportions of the figures and the clock.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the dark background, the old woman's clothing, and the young woman's dress.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the background and the old woman's clothing, creating depth and contrast.
step 04
Begin to build up the skin tones of both figures, using subtle variations in color to create form.
step 05
Add details to the young woman's dress, paying attention to the way the fabric drapes and folds.
step 06
Refine the details of the old woman's face, capturing her expression and wrinkles.
step 07
Paint the clock and its pendulum, adding details to the clock face.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and umber. Use alizarin crimson to create the red tones in the old woman's clothing. Mix blue and white for the clock.

techniques