plate no. 1427
Lunch in the Country
Honore Daumier, 1868
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing figures in a relaxed setting and using a limited palette to create a sense of atmosphere and depth. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and table, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the background landscape and the dark areas of the figures with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin building up the values on the figures, starting with the mid-tones.
- step 04
Add details to the faces and hands, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
- step 05
Refine the clothing and the objects on the table, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add the dog, focusing on its form and texture.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of unity and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for dark shadows. Use raw sienna and titanium white for lighter skin tones. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to the shadows for depth.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the original.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the importance of the background in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw sienna before starting.
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