plate no. 3272
A Passing Cloud
Augustus Edwin Mulready, 1877
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a muted palette and creating atmospheric perspective to suggest depth. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of different materials like fabric and stone.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber and raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and the background, using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 04
Develop the details of the faces, clothing, and objects, gradually building up layers of paint.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the architectural elements, such as the column and the fence.
- step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth colors with black and white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much color and losing the muted atmosphere.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve its flow.
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