plate no. 7041
At the Fountain
Theodore Robinson, 1890
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, as well as creating a sense of depth through color and brushwork. It also provides practice in painting figures in an outdoor setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, fountain, and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes with thin washes of color, starting with the background.
- step 04
Develop the colors and values of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the fountain and watering cans, capturing their textures and forms.
- step 06
Refine the background foliage, using broken brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and use burnt umber to create shadows and earth tones. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →overworking the painting
- →flattening the forms
- →using too much detail
- →ignoring the light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for broken brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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