plate no. 1896

Astronomer

oil, panelBaroquegenre paintingfigureglobecandlebookhourglassinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create a focal point using light. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details in a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a dark umber wash.
step 02
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of objects.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on the areas illuminated by the candlelight.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure, globe, and other objects, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Pay close attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow to create depth and form.
step 07
Add highlights and reflections to enhance the realism of the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the composition and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium yellow light · titanium white · raw sienna

Achieve the warm glow of candlelight by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of cadmium yellow light and titanium white. Use glazes of raw umber and burnt umber to create shadows and depth.

techniques