plate no. 9058

Circus Matinee

Laura Knight, 1938

oilImpressionismgenre paintingcircusfigureshorsestentperformersanimals

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, capturing subtle color variations in skin tones and fabrics, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex compositions with multiple subjects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the overall color scheme and values.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the largest and most prominent ones.
step 04
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the figures to create form and dimension.
step 05
Develop the details of the horses, including their markings and musculature.
step 06
Refine the background, adding details to the tent and other elements.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, raw umber, and a touch of red or yellow. Create the horse's coat by mixing black and white with small amounts of blue and umber to achieve the dappled grey effect. Muted colors are achieved by mixing complementary colors.

techniques