plate no. 3310
Hush!
Frank Holl, 1877
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a dimly lit environment and understanding how to use a limited palette to create depth and atmosphere. Students will also learn to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall dark background with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and objects with mid-tone values.
- step 04
Gradually build up the highlights on the figures and objects, focusing on areas where light is hitting them.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
- step 06
Add the details of the interior, such as the table, chair, and bucket.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix darks by combining burnt umber, raw umber, and ivory black. Lighten with titanium white. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna sparingly to add warmth to highlights.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·limited palette
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Making the highlights too bright and creating too much contrast.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish the dark background more easily.
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