plate no. 3569
Adolescence
Milton Avery, 1947
suitable for beginners
This painting is a good exercise in simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. Students can practice color mixing to achieve the subtle variations in tone and learn to suggest details rather than rendering them realistically.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, chair, window, and table.
- step 02
Establish the background colors: the wall, floor, and window area.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas of the figure and chair using simplified shapes.
- step 04
Add the details of the book, plant, and other objects on the table.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and colors of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
- step 06
Add the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Check the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · yellow · red · white · brown
secondary · green · blue · purple
Mix yellows with white to create the various shades in the window and figure. Combine red and brown for the chair and floor. Use small amounts of blue and green for accents.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·simplified shapes
- ·color mixing
- ·subtle shading
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Creating too much contrast and losing the overall harmony.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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