plate no. 7358
From Another Approach
Kay Sage, 1944
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric form rendering, value shading, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides an opportunity to practice painting drapery and smooth gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and the egg, paying attention to proportions and angles.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and then the darker geometric forms.
- step 04
Begin layering values within each shape to create depth and dimension, focusing on light and shadow.
- step 05
Carefully render the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Paint the egg, capturing its smooth surface and subtle shadows.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any small details.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · cadmium yellow light
The background sky is achieved by mixing yellow ochre and white with a touch of raw umber. The darker shapes are created by mixing raw umber and payne's gray. The yellow drapery is a mix of cadmium yellow light and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·geometric form rendering
- ·value shading
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery painting
- ·smooth blending
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of geometric shapes
- →Uneven blending of values
- →Overly harsh or undefined edges
- →Ignoring subtle color variations
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Using a toned canvas can help establish the mid-tones and create a more cohesive painting.
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