plate no. 0110

Day of the Hawk

Lynd Ward, 1969

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigureboybirdfoliagetreesnature

some experience helpful

This painting offers a great opportunity to practice high-contrast rendering and creating texture with deliberate brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and focus on light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and surrounding elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of black and white, focusing on the overall shapes and value distribution.
step 03
Begin adding details to the figure, paying attention to the contours and the way light falls on the face and hands.
step 04
Develop the textures of the foliage and surrounding environment using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the contrast and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Carefully define the edges of the shapes to create a sense of sharpness and clarity.
step 07
Add final details and adjustments to enhance the overall impact of the painting.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary ·

This painting uses only black and white, so mixing is not applicable. Focus on achieving different shades of gray through layering and blending.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·high-contrast rendering

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Creating muddy or undefined edges.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create interesting textures.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas or primed wood panel

required

·Canvas or wood panel
·Black acrylic or oil paint
·White acrylic or oil paint
·Assorted paintbrushes (small round, flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags
·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paint)

optional

·Graphite pencil
·Kneaded eraser
·Medium (for oil paint)

Using a gessoed surface will provide a good base for the paint to adhere to. Choose brushes that are appropriate for the level of detail you want to achieve.

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