plate no. 6889
Bird seller
Giacomo Favretto, 1880
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a realistic setting and capturing the nuances of light and shadow with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating texture and detail with a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Gradually build up layers of paint, focusing on the areas of light and shadow.
- step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
- step 05
Pay attention to the relationships between colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures and objects, such as the faces, clothing, and birdcages.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve the various browns and earth tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use small amounts of red, blue, or yellow to adjust the temperature and hue of these colors.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Not paying enough attention to the relationships between colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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