plate no. 0313
Le Bal masqué, La Comédie Italienne
Jean Metzinger, 1924
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand tonal values and how to create a sense of depth through careful shading. It also provides practice in rendering figures in various poses and clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to create a value map.
- step 03
Begin to fill in the large shapes with mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Refine the shapes of the figures and clothing, adding details such as folds and facial features.
- step 05
Add subtle variations in tone to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 06
Pay close attention to the edges of the forms, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the patterns on the clothing and the textures of the foliage.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · gray · white · black
secondary · ivory · charcoal
Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Add small amounts of ivory to warm up the grays.
techniques
- ·tonal shading
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the proportions of the figures.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Graphite pencils
- ·White acrylic or oil paint
- ·Black acrylic or oil paint
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone from the start.
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