plate no. 8788
Hamlet
Angel Planells, 1938
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering drapery, understanding surreal composition, and mixing colors to create a dreamlike atmosphere. It also provides practice in creating depth and perspective in an interior setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure, skull, and architectural elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: the blue drapery, the figure's clothing, the floor, and the background.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the drapery, focusing on the folds and shadows to create a sense of volume.
- step 04
Refine the figure's form and add details to the skull, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Develop the architectural elements, focusing on creating a sense of depth and perspective.
- step 06
Add the water and the chess piece, paying attention to the reflections and highlights.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · cadmium orange · ivory black
Mix various shades of blue by combining cerulean blue with white and a touch of black. Achieve the flesh tones by mixing burnt sienna, white, and a touch of red. Create depth in the shadows by adding raw umber to the base colors.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·drapery rendering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and perspective.
- →Inaccurate color mixing, leading to a flat or lifeless painting.
- →Ignoring the importance of highlights and shadows in creating volume.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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