plate no. 0702
Dwarf with Monkey
Stefan Caltia, 2005
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric textures. It also provides an opportunity to explore creating depth and form using light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, monkey, and ball.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of black.
- step 03
Establish the main color areas for the figure's clothing, skin, and the monkey's fur.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter tones to define the highlights on the ball and the figure's face and hands.
- step 05
Add darker tones to create shadows and depth in the clothing and monkey's fur.
- step 06
Refine the details of the face, hands, and clothing, paying attention to subtle color variations.
- step 07
Paint the flower and the thin line across the figure.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall form and create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red
secondary · viridian · titanium white · alizarin crimson
Mix ivory black and raw umber with small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the skin tones. Use viridian and yellow ochre to create the greens in the clothing. Mix alizarin crimson and titanium white for the pinks in the pants.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can result in a loss of texture and detail.
- →Using too much black, which can make the painting look muddy.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.
- →Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face and hands.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·viridian oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve blending.
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