plate no. 9711
Il piccolo pittore
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes and mixing realistic skin tones. It also encourages observation of reflections and depicting depth in an interior scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, mirror, and easel.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow with thin washes of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the darkest areas and working towards the lighter ones.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
- step 05
Work on the reflection in the mirror, simplifying the details and softening the edges.
- step 06
Add texture and interest with visible brushstrokes, varying the direction and pressure of your brush.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall composition as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and white for shadows. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·impasto
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value.
- →Making the reflection too detailed and distracting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, viridian green, ultramarine blue)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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