plate no. 3556
A Stolen Kiss
Marcus Stone, 1900
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in rendering figures in a natural setting and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will learn to blend colors to create soft transitions and capture the play of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the bench.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall value and temperature.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using simplified forms and values.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including the clothing, hair, and facial features.
- step 05
Add details to the bench and surrounding foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Refine the edges and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to lighten values. Use thin glazes to build up color and create depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →overworking details too early
- →not establishing a clear value structure
- →using colors that are too saturated
- →ignoring the importance of edges
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·oil paints
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall value structure.
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