plate no. 3873
Blind Man of Toledo
Joaquín Sorolla, 1906
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn to mix a range of earth tones and capture atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bridge, figure, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and distant hills.
- step 03
Establish the main light and shadow patterns on the bridge and surrounding landscape.
- step 04
Add details to the figure, focusing on capturing the folds of the cloak and the overall form.
- step 05
Refine the details of the architecture, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Add highlights to the water and bridge to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the figure and the bridge.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium orange · sap green · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten these mixtures and create highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium orange to create the warm tones in the hills.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and unrealistic.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
- ·viewfinder
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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