plate no. 6085
Girl writing by lamplight
William Henry Hunt, 1850
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice painting light and shadow, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides an opportunity to work with a limited color palette and explore different brushwork techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, books, and lamp.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of dark browns and greens.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and the table with mid-tone colors.
- step 04
Add the highlights on the lamp, face, and books, using lighter shades of the base colors.
- step 05
Develop the shadows and details on the figure and objects, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork to create texture and visual interest.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the writing implements and the details on the lamp.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white · alizarin crimson
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix burnt umber and raw umber for the dark background. Use alizarin crimson and white for the figure's clothing. Mix yellow ochre and white for the lamp's glow.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too many colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of light.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the dark background.
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