plate no. 3142
Bowl of Goldfish
Childe Hassam, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and capturing the effects of light and atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering reflections and transparent objects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, table, and goldfish bowl.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas, using thin washes of color to establish the overall tone.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of color with short, broken brushstrokes, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Focus on capturing the reflections on the table and the transparency of the goldfish bowl.
- step 05
Add details to the figure and the surrounding environment, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the patterns on the kimono and the details of the garden.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition or color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining viridian green and yellow ochre. Achieve the warm highlights by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of cadmium red. Use white to lighten colors and create subtle variations in tone.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the impressionistic style.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth.
- →Getting bogged down in details and losing sight of the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be added to the paint to improve flow and transparency.
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