plate no. 9799
Harriet Tubman
William H. Johnson, 1945
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice simplified forms and bold color choices to convey a narrative. Recreating it will develop skills in color mixing and expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, such as the sky, fields, and clothing, using simplified shapes.
- step 03
Define the figures' features and clothing details with bold brushstrokes.
- step 04
Add the linear elements representing the fields and horizon lines.
- step 05
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the star and small building.
- step 08
Outline the painting with a dark color to create a border.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · orange · green · purple
Mix various shades of brown and skin tones by combining red, yellow, and blue. Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow and blue with a touch of brown or black.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·simplified forms
- ·color blocking
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors, losing the bold, expressive quality.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Failing to create a strong focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·graphite pencil
Use heavy body acrylics for better texture and coverage. Consider using a toned canvas to start.
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