plate no. 2163
Black Mass
Alfred Kubin, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting helps develop skills in value studies and creating atmosphere with limited color palettes. Students will learn to suggest form and depth through subtle tonal variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the robes with a dark wash.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones in the sky and ground, using diluted washes.
- step 04
Define the individual figures, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
- step 05
Add the candles, using a lighter tone to create contrast.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces and robes, using a fine brush or pencil.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend tones to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights to the candles and faces.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · titanium white
Mix ivory black with raw umber to create a range of dark, muted grays. Add small amounts of white to lighten the tones for the sky and ground.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the atmospheric effect.
- →Creating too much contrast too early in the process.
- →Making the figures too uniform and lacking individuality.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·soft cloth
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending and layering. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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