plate no. 5104
Le 14 juillet a pointe-a-pitre
Felix Labisse, 1968
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in creating smooth gradients and understanding color temperature to depict different skin tones. Students can also learn about simplifying forms and creating a unified composition with repeating elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic outlines of the three figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light blue, ensuring a smooth, even application.
- step 03
Apply the base color for each figure: blue, white, and red, maintaining consistent values.
- step 04
Begin adding subtle shading to define the forms of the figures, focusing on the light source.
- step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the hair, lips, and other details, keeping the colors saturated.
- step 06
Refine the contours and edges of the figures to create a clean, polished look.
- step 07
Add the subtle details like eyelashes and highlights in the eyes.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · light blue · pink · black
Mix the skin tones by adding small amounts of red, blue, or white to the base colors. Use white to lighten and black to darken.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·smooth blending
- ·value control
- ·contouring
common pitfalls
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Losing the smooth gradients with uneven application.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the style.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, black)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality acrylic paints for best results. Consider using a retarder medium to slow down the drying time and allow for smoother blending.
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