plate no. 0457
A Blind Woman in Her Room
Anna Ancher, 1883
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good exercise in depicting light and shadow to create form, and in capturing a mood with a limited palette. Students can learn to create depth and atmosphere using subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the table.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and the areas of shadow.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the background wall and the figure's clothing.
- step 04
Gradually build up the values, adding darker tones to the shadows and lighter tones to the highlights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figure's face and hands.
- step 06
Add details to the table and objects on it.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ivory black
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the wall. Use ivory black and raw umber for the figure's clothing. Add small amounts of burnt sienna to warm the shadows and sap green to cool the highlights.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to simplify the initial blocking-in stage.
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