plate no. 4925
Barbara at the Table
Charles Blackman, 1956
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting helps develop skills in simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and texture. Students can learn to balance color intensity and create a cohesive composition with limited detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the figure, table, chair, and flower arrangement.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of turquoise, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 03
Establish the main color areas: red for the dress, brown for the table, and dark tones for the hair and chair.
- step 04
Add the flower arrangement, focusing on the overall shape and color masses rather than individual petals.
- step 05
Refine the figure's features and the details of the table and chair, keeping the style simplified and expressive.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired mood and balance.
- step 08
Add final details, like the cup on the table.
color palette
primary · turquoise · red · brown · black
secondary · pink · white · gray
Mix turquoise by combining blue and green with white. Achieve the red by mixing a crimson or scarlet with a touch of brown or black to darken it. Browns can be created by mixing complementary colors like blue and orange.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and shapes.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition and balance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (turquoise, red, brown, black, white)
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to encourage color mixing and harmony. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the expressive brushstrokes.
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