plate no. 9607
Grace Before Meat
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a realistic manner and understanding the use of light and shadow to create depth and form. It will also help to understand how to create a convincing interior scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the background and the overall composition, paying attention to the perspective of the room.
- step 03
Block in the main colors for each figure, focusing on the skin tones and clothing.
- step 04
Start building up the shadows and highlights on the figures to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and clothing, refining the shapes and edges.
- step 06
Paint the tablecloth and the objects on the table, paying attention to the folds and reflections.
- step 07
Add the dog and the details on the floor.
- step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas. Use titanium white to lighten the colors. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium red for the skin tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·underpainting
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Not paying attention to the light source.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to speed up the painting process.
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