plate no. 8176

Commotion

Philip Evergood, 1942

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfigurestairsindustrialchimneybuildingsmoke

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in depicting figures in a unique style and understanding how to create depth using value and color temperature. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms and create a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, stairs, and industrial elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: the background, the figure's skin and dress, the stairs, and the chimney.
step 03
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figure, paying attention to the unique proportions and features.
step 05
Add details to the stairs and chimney, including the railings and the smoke.
step 06
Blend and soften edges where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to adjust the overall tone and create depth.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Cadmium Red · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Sap Green · Ivory Black

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and prussian blue. Achieve skin tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white, adjusting proportions for highlights and shadows. Create the smoky effect by blending ivory black and titanium white.

techniques

·Blocking in
·Blending
·Scumbling
·Glazing
·Impasto

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Sap Green, Ivory Black)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife
·Rags