plate no. 8702
Gasteropoda
Edward Wadsworth, 1927
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures like wood grain and shell patterns, as well as understanding subtle value shifts to create form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the main values on the wood and shells.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the wood grain, using thin lines and varying the pressure.
- step 05
Carefully render the shell patterns, focusing on the curves and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the pine cone, paying attention to the individual scales.
- step 07
Add highlights and refine the details to create depth.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and values.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · payne's gray
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining the primary colors. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm highlights on the wood and shells. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall form.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle value shifts.
- →Ignoring the importance of accurate proportions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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