plate no. 0569

Digging for Roots

Josef Herman, 1949

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslaborersgroundearthreddark

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in motion and using a limited color palette to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. It also provides practice in simplifying forms and focusing on essential details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and positions of the figures on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the overall composition by blocking in the large areas of color, focusing on the background and ground.
step 03
Begin to define the figures, paying attention to their posture and the way light falls on them.
step 04
Mix and apply the darker tones to create depth and shadow.
step 05
Add highlights to the figures and ground to create contrast and visual interest.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures, such as their hands and faces, but avoid overworking them.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and details.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and black for the darkest shadows. Add white to burnt umber and raw sienna for lighter earth tones. Use cadmium red sparingly for highlights and accents.

techniques