plate no. 3513
A New Hat
Wenzel Tornøe, 1886
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures, capturing subtle light and shadow, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting detailed textures and patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background details, paying attention to the light coming from the window.
- step 04
Start building up the forms of the figures, gradually adding layers of paint to refine the shapes and values.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the skin tones and facial expressions of the figures.
- step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the folds, textures, and patterns.
- step 07
Refine the details of the objects in the scene, such as the table, jug, and sewing tools.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted grays for the clothing and background. Mix cadmium red with yellow ochre and white for the skin tones.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details too early
- →getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →not capturing the subtle variations in skin tone
- →making the colors too saturated
- →losing the overall sense of light and shadow
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, viridian green, raw sienna)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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