plate no. 8130
Begging children
Meyer von Bremen, 1880
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones, capturing textures of clothing, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting figures with emotional expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figures and the wall.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes, creating a dark and atmospheric feel.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin, paying attention to value relationships.
- step 04
Begin refining the details of the faces, focusing on capturing the expressions and subtle shifts in light and shadow.
- step 05
Add texture to the clothing and wall using varied brushstrokes and dry brushing techniques.
- step 06
Develop the foliage and surrounding environment, softening edges and adding subtle color variations.
- step 07
Refine the details of the basket and other small elements.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Create shadows by adding ivory black and ultramarine blue to the base skin tone mix.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ivory black, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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