plate no. 0007
Dweller Within
George Frederick Watts, 1886
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in glazing, blending, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also encourages exploration of symbolic representation and emotional expression through color and form.
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 composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the trumpet.
- step 02
Establish the overall warm undertone of the painting with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the major shapes of the figure, wings, and background, using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 04
Begin layering glazes of color to build up depth and luminosity, focusing on the face and hands.
- step 05
Add details to the figure's clothing and features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 06
Refine the background and wings, using loose brushstrokes and blending to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add the trumpet and the red string, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · alizarin crimson · ivory black · titanium white
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing earth colors with small amounts of black and white. Use glazes of alizarin crimson to add warmth and depth to the shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using too much color and creating a garish or unnatural look.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure before adding color.
- →Not blending colors smoothly enough, resulting in a choppy or uneven surface.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, ivory black, titanium white)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a high-quality canvas primed with oil-based primer for best results. Consider using a medium to speed up drying time and improve blending.
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