plate no. 3479

Ben Gunn

oilRomanticismillustrationfiguretreeforestfoliagelightbeard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within a limited palette, as well as creating depth and texture through layering and brushwork. Students will also learn how to suggest form and detail in areas of low visibility.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, tree, and light source.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the tree and figure, using mid-tones.
step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the tree and figure to create form and highlight areas catching the light.
step 05
Develop the foliage in the foreground with short, broken brushstrokes, varying the values to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
step 07
Adjust the overall balance of light and shadow, ensuring that the focal point is well-defined.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · raw sienna

Achieve the dark browns by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and white to create the highlights on the tree and figure. Raw sienna can be used to add warmth to the mid-tones.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the dark areas, losing the sense of mystery.
→Failing to create enough contrast between the light and shadow, resulting in a flat image.
→Using too much paint, obscuring the texture of the canvas.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.