plate no. 4876
Earthquake
Tetsuya Ishida, 2003
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and textures, as well as understanding how to create depth and perspective in a surreal composition. Students will also learn to combine realistic elements with dreamlike imagery.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the table and the placement of the figure.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the dark background and then the table surface.
- step 03
Begin rendering the figure under the table, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face and hands.
- step 04
Add details to the table surface, including the pen, pencil case, and any visible wood grain.
- step 05
Sketch the classroom scene on top of the table, using light pencil lines to create a sense of distance and transparency.
- step 06
Paint the classroom elements, using a limited palette of grays and browns to maintain the dreamlike quality.
- step 07
Add the foliage details on the table, using fine lines and subtle color variations.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · payne's gray · burnt sienna
Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Use payne's gray and white for the muted tones of the classroom scene.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·rendering
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective of the table wrong, which will throw off the entire composition.
- →Making the classroom scene too detailed and distracting from the main subject.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of unity.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·raw umber acrylic paint
- ·ivory black acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·yellow ochre acrylic paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
- ·flat brush (size 6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Consider using a retarder medium to extend the drying time of the acrylics and allow for more blending.
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