plate no. 8107
Lion watchers
Rudolf Láng, 1958
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing loose brushwork and simplifying complex subjects into basic shapes and colors. Students can learn to suggest details rather than rendering them realistically.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the lion.
- step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of yellow, gray, and white.
- step 03
Establish the skin tones using a mix of pink, white, and a touch of brown.
- step 04
Paint the hair with visible brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
- step 05
Add the clothing details, simplifying the patterns and colors.
- step 06
Define the window bars with thin lines of black or dark brown.
- step 07
Refine the lion's shape and color, using a dry brush technique to suggest fur.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna · gray
secondary · black · red · pink
Mix skin tones by blending white, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Achieve the gray by mixing black and white, and adjust the yellow ochre with white for highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·color blocking
- ·loose brushwork
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Making the figures too realistic and stiff.
- →Ignoring the importance of the background in creating atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, titanium white, burnt sienna, black, red, gray)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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