plate no. 6834
Creating silhouettes
Carl von Bergen, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures and drapery, as well as understanding light and shadow to create depth. It also provides practice in creating a focal point within a complex composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main figures and objects, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark paint.
- step 03
Begin building up the mid-tones, gradually adding layers to create depth and form.
- step 04
Focus on rendering the details of the faces, clothing, and objects, using smaller brushes.
- step 05
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the shadows and highlights.
- step 06
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as highlights on the faces and clothing.
- step 07
Evaluate the overall balance and composition, making any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Mix ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm up the grays.
techniques
- ·grisaille
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·hatching
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the light source and its effect on the shadows.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Not creating enough contrast between light and dark areas.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#4 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve their flow.
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