plate no. 7117
Comets
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, understanding light and shadow on skin tones, and creating a surreal atmosphere through composition and color.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and rocks.
- step 02
Block in the background with a flat layer of blue.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin shading the figures and rocks with a base tone.
- step 04
Develop the highlights and shadows on the figures, paying attention to the subtle gradations of skin tone.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and textures of the rocks, using a combination of blending and dry brushing.
- step 07
Paint the 'comet' figures in the sky, using a warm color palette and blending to create a sense of movement.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow
Mix different ratios of yellow ochre, raw umber, and titanium white to achieve the various skin tones. Use burnt sienna and cadmium yellow to create the warm tones in the 'comets'.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Over-blending, resulting in a lack of texture.
- →Using too much contrast, making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time of the paints.
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