plate no. 8848
Conversation
Milton Avery, 1956
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning about simplifying forms and color blocking. Students will practice mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background stripes.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background: dark purple and dark blue.
- step 03
Mix the base color for the first figure's dress (a muted pink) and apply it.
- step 04
Add the darker purple for the skirt and the lighter pink for the upper part of the dress.
- step 05
Mix the base color for the second figure's dress (a muted blue) and apply it.
- step 06
Add subtle highlights and shadows to the blue dress to suggest form.
- step 07
Add the hair color to both figures.
- step 08
Refine the edges and shapes of the figures, paying attention to the simplified forms.
color palette
primary · purple · pink · blue
secondary · white · dark purple · light pink
Mix muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors (e.g., a touch of green to red) to your primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create tints.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified forms
- ·muted color mixing
- ·layering
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified aesthetic.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle value changes within each color block.
- →Making the outlines too sharp and defined.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags
- ·Pencil
optional
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Easel
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for a slightly textured effect. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils allow for more blending time.
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