plate no. 3469

Bereavement

oil, canvasRealismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingvillageclothinggriefrural scene

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and clothing, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and value control. Students will also learn to create a narrative through composition and subject matter.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the clothing and the facial expressions.
step 04
Add details to the background, including the buildings, trees, and figures in the distance.
step 05
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of harmony and atmosphere.
step 06
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the shadows and highlights.
step 07
Add final details, such as the textures of the clothing and the details of the faces.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and values.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create subtle gradations. Create grays by mixing black, white, and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (raw umber, ivory black, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife