plate no. 2537

AP 1905 Barrel Organ Player and Harlequin

Anthony Padgett, 2018

oilPost-Impressionismsymbolic paintingfigurerecord playerchairrecordshatinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors and creating form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to study color temperature and how it affects the overall mood of the painting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
step 03
Establish the main values and light source.
step 04
Begin defining the figure and record player with more detail.
step 05
Layer colors to create depth and form.
step 06
Add details like the tie pattern and record label.
step 07
Refine the brushstrokes and edges to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ivory black

Mix various shades of skin tones using burnt umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Achieve the green of the hat by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·broken color
·scumbling
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early.
→Not establishing a clear light source.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Making the skin tones too flat and lifeless.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, sap green, ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags