plate no. 0426
Ash Wednesday
Carl Spitzweg, 1860
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow, as well as creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also offers practice in painting figures in a muted, limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, light source, and main shapes.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow, focusing on the large shapes.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figure's costume, using small brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
- step 05
Refine the light and shadow, paying attention to the way the light falls across the scene.
- step 06
Add texture to the walls and floor with dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Paint the pitcher and other details, using darker values to create contrast.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or cadmium red light to create subtle color variations in the figure's costume.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the importance of texture and brushwork.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the effect of the brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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