plate no. 4617
Ballet
Laura Knight, 1936
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting figures in motion and rendering fabric textures with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and the background elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the floor.
- step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the tutus, using light and shadow to create volume.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as the faces, hands, and feet.
- step 05
Refine the folds and textures of the tutus, using small brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Achieve the subtle variations in the tutus by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for the warmer tones in the floor and background.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the tutus, resulting in a stiff or unnatural look.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figures.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for both detail and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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