plate no. 2080
Her First Born, Horsham Churchyard (Funeral of the First Born)
Frank Holl, 1876
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, atmospheric perspective, and creating a somber mood through color and composition. It also offers practice in rendering realistic textures and details in clothing and foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and key elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the sky, trees, and distant buildings.
- step 03
Establish the basic values and colors of the figures, focusing on their overall forms and proportions.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including facial features, clothing folds, and hand gestures.
- step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as gravestones, foliage, and the path.
- step 06
Pay attention to the lighting and shadows, using them to create depth and volume.
- step 07
Blend and soften edges to create a sense of atmosphere and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red
Mix muted greens for the foliage by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber. Achieve the skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ivory black and burnt umber to create the dark tones in the clothing and shadows.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-tooth canvas for optimal texture. Consider using a toned ground to simplify the initial blocking-in process.
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