plate no. 2970

Carnival Clowns

oilBaroquegenre paintingfiguresclownstorchmasksperformanceshadows

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to depict figures in dynamic poses under dramatic lighting. It also provides practice in rendering textures of clothing and skin with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main light areas on the figures, using a mid-tone color.
step 04
Develop the highlights on the figures, paying attention to the direction of the light source (the torch).
step 05
Add shadows and mid-tones to create form and depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the costumes and faces, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Add the highlights of the torch flame and its reflection on the figures.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and adjust values.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Use cadmium red mixed with white and a touch of burnt umber for the red garments. Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a tiny bit of blue.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value contrast, resulting in a flat painting.
→Overworking the details too early, before establishing the overall composition and values.
→Using colors that are too saturated, making the painting look unnatural.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in color temperature in the light and shadow areas.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat, various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels