plate no. 4013
Candle factory
Jan Toorop, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and creating a sense of depth using line and color. It also provides practice in capturing the atmosphere of an industrial setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the overall perspective of the factory interior.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the perspective of the tables and boxes.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with light pencil lines, paying attention to proportions and gestures.
- step 04
Apply a thin wash of light brown or ochre to the floor and tables to establish the base tones.
- step 05
Begin adding color to the figures' dresses using a light blue-gray wash, leaving highlights for the white fabric.
- step 06
Use darker shades of blue to define the boxes, creating a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Add details to the faces and hands of the figures using a combination of pencil and colored pencil or pastel.
- step 08
Refine the linework throughout the painting, adding details to the machinery and architectural elements.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white
secondary · Ochre · Gray · Pink
Mix blue and white for the dresses, and burnt umber with white for the floor. Use ochre to add warmth to the table and floor.
techniques
- ·Linear perspective
- ·Figure drawing
- ·Hatching
- ·Cross-hatching
- ·Limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective can flatten the image.
- →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figures will detract from the overall composition.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source will make the painting look flat.
materials
surface · Drawing paper or watercolor paper
required
- ·Sketchbook or drawing paper
- ·Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·Eraser
- ·Colored pencils or pastels (blue, brown, white, ochre)
- ·Watercolor or acrylic paints (optional)
- ·Brushes (small round, medium flat)
- ·Palette or mixing tray
optional
- ·Ruler
- ·Blending stumps
- ·Fixative spray
Using toned paper can help establish the mid-tones and make the highlights pop. Experiment with different types of pencils and colored pencils to achieve the desired effects.
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