plate no. 5170
Death Day
Carlos Schwabe, 1890
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating texture with repetitive brushstrokes and understanding how to use value to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, tomb, and background.
- step 02
Establish the light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin applying the base colors for the wall and tomb, focusing on the overall texture.
- step 04
Paint the figure in dark tones, paying attention to the folds and details of the clothing.
- step 05
Add the curtain effect by painting vertical lines with varying thickness and color.
- step 06
Paint the flowers and other details in the foreground, using small brushes for precision.
- step 07
Refine the values and details throughout the painting, adding highlights and shadows as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and details to enhance the overall texture and depth.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · Prussian blue · yellow ochre
Mix ivory black and raw umber to create the dark tones for the figure and shadows. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix yellow ochre with white for the wall.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·hatching
- ·layering
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall texture.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not varying the thickness and color of the curtain lines.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·ivory black acrylic paint
- ·raw umber acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
- ·flat brush (size 6)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a fine texture to enhance the effect of the brushstrokes. Consider using a retarder medium to slow down the drying time of the acrylics and allow for more blending.
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