plate no. 2100

Juggler

Antonio Donghi, 1926

oilMagic Realismgenre paintingfigureclownballsinteriorwindowtrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing for realistic skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. The harlequin pattern offers practice in geometric shapes and color relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the background, the figure's skin, and the harlequin costume.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using layers of thin paint to build up subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Carefully paint the harlequin pattern, paying attention to the color relationships and the way the pattern wraps around the figure's form.
step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and shoes, using smaller brushes for precision.
step 06
Paint the background and the window scene, focusing on creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the shadows and highlights throughout the painting, adding depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed to achieve a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. The harlequin pattern uses bright yellows and reds desaturated with black and umber.

techniques