plate no. 3636
Japanese dolls and fan
Paul Peel, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and understand how to depict different textures using brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the dolls, fan, and vase.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of yellow ochre and raw umber.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the dolls' clothing and the fan, focusing on the overall color harmony.
- step 04
Develop the form of the dolls and vase by adding highlights and shadows, using subtle color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the fan, including the patterns and textures.
- step 06
Refine the drapery with soft blending and subtle value changes.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · red · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · blue · pink · brown · black
Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with alizarin crimson and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a small amount of red. Create the background by blending yellow ochre and raw umber.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints: red, yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, blue, black
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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