plate no. 8202

Construction workers

oilRealismgenre paintingfiguresmenbuildingbrick wallhatsclothing

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice painting figures in a limited palette and capturing a sense of atmosphere through loose brushwork. Students will also learn to simplify details and focus on overall form and value relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and the building in the background using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
step 04
Develop the background, suggesting the brick wall and the figures in the distance with loose, gestural brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply local colors to the figures' clothing and skin tones, using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 06
Add details such as the hats, facial features, and folds in the clothing, but avoid overworking them.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red light to warm up the skin tones. Mix yellow ochre with white and a touch of umber for the lighter clothing.

techniques