plate no. 1603
Connecticut Clock
Karl Knaths, 1949
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color relationships in abstract compositions and practice layering techniques with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages simplification of complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the clock, vessel, and table.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Begin layering colors, working from dark to light, and building up the forms with visible brushstrokes.
- step 04
Pay attention to the edges of shapes, varying the sharpness and softness to create depth.
- step 05
Mix and apply the secondary colors, focusing on the relationships between the different color areas.
- step 06
Add details such as the clock hands and the lines defining the table and background.
- step 07
Refine the composition by adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · ochre · gray · white · red
secondary · blue · green · brown · black
Achieve the various grays by mixing white with small amounts of black, blue, and brown. Create the ochre tones by mixing yellow with brown and a touch of red.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not paying attention to the color relationships between the different shapes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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