plate no. 7563
Fair Critics
Charles Courtney Curran, 1887
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex lighting and creating the illusion of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to manage a complex composition with multiple focal points.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of tone and value.
- step 03
Establish the background and the general atmosphere of the studio, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
- step 04
Develop the figures, starting with the darkest shadows and gradually building up the highlights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, faces, and objects, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
- step 06
Pay attention to the lighting and how it affects the colors and values of the different elements.
- step 07
Add the final touches, such as highlights and details, to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blues and reds. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
- →Losing the overall sense of atmosphere and depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x30
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, viridian)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-8)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned ground to start with a mid-value.
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