plate no. 7979
Dividend day at the bank of england
George Elgar Hicks, 1859
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a crowd and rendering architectural interiors with subtle lighting. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic architectural structure and the placement of the main figures.
- step 02
Establish the overall warm, muted color palette by applying a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the figures, focusing on their general forms and colors.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to their clothing, facial features, and gestures.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, especially on the figures and architectural elements.
- step 06
Refine the architectural details, such as the arches, columns, and lettering.
- step 07
Add the smaller details, such as the dogs, accessories, and background figures.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with each other and with white. Use glazes of diluted color to create subtle variations and depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate glazing. Consider using a toned ground to establish the warm undertones.
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