plate no. 4570
Against the Sky
Robert Lewis Reid, 1911
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and capturing the effects of light on a figure. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, dress, skin, and hair.
- step 03
Begin adding layers of color to the sky, focusing on capturing the light and airy feel of the clouds.
- step 04
Develop the form of the dress using broken brushstrokes and subtle color variations to indicate folds and shadows.
- step 05
Work on the skin tones, layering different hues to create a sense of depth and warmth.
- step 06
Add details to the hair, using short, directional strokes to suggest texture and volume.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details of the figure, paying attention to the way the light interacts with the form.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · viridian
Mix white with small amounts of blue and yellow ochre to create the sky. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the skin tones, adding red for warmth. Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of blue for the dress.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Losing the freshness and spontaneity of the impressionistic style.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red, raw umber)
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·rags
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the impressionistic brushwork.
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