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home·artworks·Expose The Truth
Expose The Truth by Jon Mcnaughton

plate no. 5364

Expose The Truth

Jon Mcnaughton

oilSocial Realismsymbolic paintingfiguresportraitsbuildingflagpoliticalsuits
experienced study

This painting offers a chance to develop skills in portraiture, figure painting, and rendering complex textures. Recreating it will also improve understanding of value relationships and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background elements, focusing on the architectural details and the crowd.

  4. step 04

    Begin refining the figures, paying close attention to the facial features and skin tones.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the clothing, including the folds, textures, and highlights.

  6. step 06

    Work on the hands and the magnifying glass, ensuring accurate rendering.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the overall values and color harmony to create a cohesive and impactful image.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism and visual interest.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use cadmium red and yellow ochre to create flesh tones, adjusting the proportions for different skin colors.

techniques

  • ·portraiture
  • ·figure painting
  • ·value studies
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of figures
  • →Muddy color mixing
  • →Overworking details too early
  • →Ignoring value relationships
  • →Inaccurate rendering of facial features

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-tooth canvas for optimal paint adhesion. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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