plate no. 8157
Homeless
George Pemba, 1973
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing figures in a landscape setting and using expressive brushstrokes to define form and texture. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.
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 shapes and placement of the figures and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, ground, and figures.
- step 03
Develop the background buildings with simple shapes and colors.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, focusing on light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the brushwork to create texture and visual interest.
- step 06
Adjust the values to enhance the contrast and depth.
- step 07
Add final details to the faces and clothing.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · black
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the ground and skin tones. Add small amounts of red and green to create variations in the landscape.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Ignoring the relationships between colors and values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes.
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