plate no. 3420
Job Mocked by His Wife
Georges de la Tour, 1635
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic lighting and learn how to depict figures in a dimly lit environment. It also provides practice in rendering folds in fabric and creating realistic skin tones under artificial light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the candle.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with a mid-tone brown.
- step 04
Begin layering in highlights and shadows, focusing on the areas illuminated by the candle.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and clothing, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
- step 06
Add the details of the candle flame and the surrounding glow.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth of the shadows.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Mix burnt umber and raw sienna for the mid-tones. Add titanium white for highlights and cadmium red for the red robe. Yellow ochre can be used to create the candle light glow.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using too many colors and losing the unity of the painting.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish the mid-tones before starting.
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