plate no. 9452
Despair
Frank Holl, 1881
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a dimly lit interior and understanding how to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle tonal variations. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and capturing emotional expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figures, table, and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall tonal range by blocking in the dark areas with thin washes of dark brown and umber.
- step 03
Gradually build up the lighter areas, focusing on the light source and how it illuminates the figures and objects.
- step 04
Pay close attention to the folds and drapery of the tablecloth, using subtle variations in tone to create depth.
- step 05
Develop the details of the figures, focusing on capturing their expressions and gestures.
- step 06
Refine the background, adding details to suggest the interior space without overworking it.
- step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of luminosity and draw the viewer's eye to the focal points.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · Prussian blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing browns and blacks with small amounts of white, yellow ochre, and blue. Use thin glazes to build up depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, leading to a lack of depth.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the overall mood.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (raw umber, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna, Prussian blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better paint adhesion and blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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