plate no. 0249

Brother and Sister

Abbott Handerson Thayer, 1889

oilRealismportraitportraitfigureschildrensiblingsclothingdark background

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures, paying attention to their relative positions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and the main areas of light and shadow on the figures.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle value gradations to create form.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 05
Soften edges and blend transitions to create a sense of atmosphere and unity.
step 06
Add highlights to the faces and clothing to create focal points and enhance the sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the details of the hands, paying attention to their gesture and form.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to achieve a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and alizarin crimson to add warmth to the skin tones and clothing.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·portraiture
·blending
·broken brushstrokes
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions and likeness of the figures.
→Creating harsh edges and transitions that detract from the atmospheric effect.
→Using too much color and creating a distracting palette.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits