plate no. 0848
Artist Facing Blank Canvas
Norman Rockwell, 1938
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex figures in perspective and rendering realistic textures of various materials like fabric, wood, and paper.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, canvas, and surrounding objects.
- step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to proportions and anatomical details of the figure.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of paint, establishing the overall color scheme.
- step 04
Begin building up layers of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the figure and objects.
- step 05
Develop the details of the face, clothing, and surrounding objects, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Add highlights and reflections to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the forms, paying attention to the transitions between light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
Mix various shades of skin tones using white, raw umber, and a touch of red or yellow. Achieve the blues of the clothing by mixing ultramarine with white and a touch of black for shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (raw umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black)
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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