
plate no. 4616
Honore Daumier, 1863
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value painting, focusing on subtle shifts in tone to create form, and in capturing likeness through careful observation of light and shadow.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Prepare the canvas with a dark, neutral ground (e.g., burnt umber wash).
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and shoulders.
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin layer of dark brown or black.
Begin building up the highlights using a mix of white and a touch of yellow ochre or raw sienna.
Gradually blend the highlights into the shadows, paying close attention to the subtle transitions in value.
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, controlled brushstrokes.
Refine the edges of the figure and the background to create a sense of depth.
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the form and texture.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light
Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre or raw sienna to create the highlights. Use burnt umber and black for the shadows. A touch of red can be added to the cheeks and clothing for warmth.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
A toned canvas will help establish the dark values quickly. Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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