plate no. 1148
Death
Kathe Kollwitz, 1897
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand value relationships and how to create a mood using a limited palette. It also provides practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and composition using charcoal.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Begin building up the mid-tones, focusing on the faces and hands.
- step 04
Use dry brush techniques to create texture in the background and clothing.
- step 05
Add highlights to the child's face and the candle area.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to the expressions.
- step 07
Adjust the overall value contrast to enhance the dramatic effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber
Mix varying amounts of white with burnt umber and black to create a range of grays and browns. Use raw umber to add subtle warmth to some areas.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·value study
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the dark areas too uniform and flat.
- →Losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·charcoal
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the dry brush effect. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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