plate no. 3869
In the Fisherman's House
Lovis Corinth, 1886
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice rendering figures in a dimly lit interior and capturing the nuances of light and shadow on clothing and skin. Students can also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the main architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to the shapes of the clothing and the subtle variations in skin tone.
- step 04
Develop the background, using soft, blended brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 05
Add details to the figures and the environment, such as the facial features, the folds in the clothing, and the textures of the walls and floor.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism and depth.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, values, or colors.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red
Mix various shades of blue and brown with white to create the clothing and skin tones. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to add warmth to the interior and figures.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints: ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting to paint.
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