plate no. 1792
Incens
Fernand Khnopff, 1898
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabric with subtle color variations, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to depict intricate details and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted colors, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the overall form and proportions.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
- step 05
Develop the drapery, using a combination of blending and layering to create a sense of volume and texture.
- step 06
Add the details of the candle and other accessories, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a sense of harmony and balance.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of secondary colors. Use white to lighten the values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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