plate no. 4162
Aunt Hannah
Thomas Pollock Anshutz, 1886
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting figures in a relaxed pose, capturing subtle lighting variations, and creating a sense of depth through value and color.
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, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas: the figure's skin, clothing, chair, background, and floor.
- step 04
Develop the figure's form by adding highlights and shadows, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Refine the details of the chair, broom, and rug, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to adjust the overall tone and mood.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and red/yellow to warm them.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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