plate no. 7887

At the clinic

George Pemba, 1979

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguresnurseclinicchildreninteriorwaiting room

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice painting figures with expressive features and capturing the atmosphere of an interior scene using a limited palette. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes and use brushstrokes to create texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figures, and clothing using thin washes.
step 03
Start building up the values and details of the faces, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the clothing and accessories, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the background and add any final details, such as the sign and windows.
step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a cohesive and expressive painting.
step 07
Add the final details to the faces and hands, capturing the expressions of the figures.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna

Mix various shades of skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool tones in the background and shadows. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber for the red clothing.

techniques