plate no. 1415
First Communion
Emile Claus, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use pointillism to create light and shadow, and how to depict figures in a landscape. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the path and the placement of the figures and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using a warm underpainting.
- step 03
Begin applying small dots of color to build up the forms and create the impression of light and shadow.
- step 04
Pay close attention to the color temperature of the light and shadow, using warmer colors for the light and cooler colors for the shadows.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures and buildings, using smaller dots of color.
- step 06
Add the tree branches and shadows, using a dry brush technique.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a harmonious and luminous effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · cadmium yellow
Mix various shades of ochre and sienna with white for the walls and path. Use ultramarine to cool shadows and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·pointillism
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the color temperature of the light and shadow.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·small round brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A fine-grained canvas will work well for pointillism.
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