plate no. 5741

Crystal Gazers

Henry Tonks

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriordressescrystal balltablecurtains

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and compositional elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the figures and fabrics.
step 04
Use broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest, especially in the drapery and background.
step 05
Pay close attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, but avoid overworking them.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · raw umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of alizarin crimson for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark blues of the dress. Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the light fabrics.

techniques

·broken brushstrokes
·scumbling
·glazing
·color mixing
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the skin tones and fabrics.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ivory black, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, raw umber)
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags