plate no. 7466

Clowns Making Up

Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1979

oilMagic Realismgenre paintingfiguresclownsmakeupinteriormirrorcostumes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and value contrast. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a theatrical setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background, paying attention to the composition.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of burnt sienna and umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figures, focusing on the overall skin tones and clothing.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create form and depth in the faces and bodies.
step 05
Add details to the faces, including the makeup and facial features, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Refine the background and add details to the mirror and other objects.
step 07
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various combinations of burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white to achieve different skin tones. Use small amounts of cadmium red for the lips and cheeks. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques