plate no. 8384
Les Tanneurs
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice capturing figures in a dimly lit interior using loose brushstrokes and a limited color palette. Students will develop skills in simplifying complex forms and creating atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the window.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest tones and gradually adding lighter values.
- step 03
Define the figures with loose, expressive brushstrokes, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Add details to the window and tools, using small, precise strokes.
- step 05
Refine the edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Add highlights to suggest light reflecting off surfaces.
- step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · sap green
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with varying amounts of white. Use raw umber and ivory black to create a range of grays and browns. Add small amounts of sap green or yellow ochre to warm or cool the grays.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Using too much detail and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not mixing enough paint and running out of color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting to paint.
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