plate no. 0348
Down on his luck
Frederick McCubbin, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic figures in a natural setting. It also provides practice in creating depth through layering and subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a canvas with a neutral ground.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the main elements: figure, tree, and background.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin layering colors, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 05
Develop the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Add details to the foreground, such as the foliage and smoke.
- step 07
Refine the painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · sap green
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the atmospheric haze by diluting white with a touch of raw sienna.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·grisaille
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Creating overly saturated colors.
- →Ignoring the value structure.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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