plate no. 7726
In the Studio (Lizzy Ansingh)
Thérèse Schwartze, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value studies and capturing light and shadow using expressive strokes. It also offers practice in depicting the human form in a relaxed pose.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, easel, and chair.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the composition, focusing on the background and shadows.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Define the forms of the figure and objects with darker lines and shading.
- step 05
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details of the face and clothing.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend tones to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre
Use white to create lighter values of the browns and blacks. Mix small amounts of yellow ochre to warm up the shadows.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·value shading
- ·expressive linework
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Failing to establish a strong value range.
- →Ignoring the direction of light and shadow.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
materials
surface · drawing paper (toned or white)
required
- ·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·drawing paper (toned or white)
- ·blending stumps
- ·fixative spray
- ·ruler
- ·pencil sharpener
optional
- ·chamois cloth
- ·sandpaper block
Toned paper can help establish mid-tones more easily. Experiment with different charcoal grades to achieve a range of values.
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