plate no. 2167
Feast of trumpets I
Aleksander Gierymski, 1884
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the buildings, water, and figures.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, boats, and figures, using simplified forms.
- step 04
Begin layering in more detail, focusing on the textures of the buildings and the reflections in the water.
- step 05
Mix and apply the subtle color variations in the sky and water, using soft blending techniques.
- step 06
Add details to the figures, paying attention to their poses and clothing.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the rigging on the boats and the reflections in the water.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or black. Create the warm glow of the sky by blending yellow ochre and white with a touch of cadmium yellow.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better blending and layering.
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