plate no. 2163
Black Mass
Alfred Kubin, 1905
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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