plate no. 7903

Dance of the children

oilBaroquegenre paintingfigureschildrendanceinteriorclothingmusical instrument

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering clothing and skin tones in low light, and understanding how to create depth using value and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of black and burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin to refine the figures, adding details to the clothing and facial features.
step 05
Develop the light and shadow, paying attention to how the light falls on the figures.
step 06
Mix and apply colors for the clothing, focusing on subtle variations in tone and temperature.
step 07
Add highlights and details to the faces and hands.
step 08
Refine the background and add any final details.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix dark tones by combining burnt umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter tones for skin and clothing. Add small amounts of red or blue to adjust the temperature of the colors.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·limited palette
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Losing the overall sense of unity in the composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife