plate no. 7999
John Brown Going To His Hanging
Horace Pippin, 1942
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and understanding how to use value to create depth and focus. It also encourages exploration of narrative in art.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the building, the trees, the figures, and the crowd.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the background building.
- step 03
Define the silhouettes of the trees and the figures using dark values.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as hats and clothing, using simple shapes and lines.
- step 05
Introduce subtle variations in color and value to create depth and interest.
- step 06
Add the details of the crowd, focusing on the shapes of the hats and faces.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · black · white · brown · blue
secondary · red · grey · tan
Mix blacks and browns to create the dark silhouettes. Use white to lighten the blues and browns for the sky and building. Mix small amounts of red into the browns to create warmer tones.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·silhouette painting
- ·simplified forms
- ·layering
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the details
- →using too many colors
- →not establishing a strong value contrast
- →making the shapes too realistic
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brush #4
- ·flat brush #6
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to achieve the flat, even color application. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time.
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