plate no. 7328
At the Grave
Anna Ancher, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and drapery, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective in the background.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the sky and background.
- step 03
Establish the basic values of the figure's face and clothing.
- step 04
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
- step 05
Add details to the drapery, capturing the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Paint the background details, including the graves and flowers, using soft brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the figure and background.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · sap green
Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. The sky is a blend of titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or muddy appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the drapery.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results.
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