plate no. 7771

First birthday

William Balthazar Rose, 2016

oilMagic Realismsymbolic paintingfigureschefshatscupcakeapronsbackground

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in depicting figures with simplified forms and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth. Students can practice color mixing to achieve the warm, muted tones of the background and clothing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the background with a warm, earthy color, varying the tones slightly.
step 03
Paint the figures' clothing and hats, using simplified shapes and visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the details of the faces, hands, and the cupcake, using small brushes.
step 05
Create the checkered pattern on the seated chef's pants.
step 06
Refine the edges and add highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix burnt umber and white for the background, adding small amounts of yellow ochre and blue for variation. Use white with touches of red and blue for the chefs' clothing. Mix blue and umber for the darker clothing.

techniques