plate no. 5063
Devil watering tree of sins and skeleton about to chop it down
Currier and Ives, 1845
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in detailed linework, value shading to create depth, and composition with multiple elements. It also encourages understanding of symbolic representation in art.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the tree's structure, figures, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall composition and placement of key elements.
- step 03
Apply a dark background wash, leaving areas for highlights.
- step 04
Start adding details to the tree branches, leaves, and the figures.
- step 05
Develop the shading and highlights on the figures to create depth.
- step 06
Add color to the 'fruit' of the tree, using a limited palette.
- step 07
Refine the details and add final touches to the landscape and background.
- step 08
Add the text labels to the fruits of the tree.
color palette
primary · black · white · grey
secondary · yellow · blue · brown
Achieve the muted tones by mixing black and white. Use small amounts of yellow and blue to tint the grey for subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Not establishing a strong value contrast.
- →Getting lost in the complexity of the composition.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·graphite pencils
- ·black acrylic paint
- ·white acrylic paint
- ·small round brush
- ·medium flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a smooth canvas to allow for detailed linework. Acrylics can be substituted for oils.
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