plate no. 3971
Lunchtime
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a realistic setting and capturing the texture of various surfaces using broken color and layering. It also provides practice in rendering light and shadow to create depth and dimension.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, chickens, and the building.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large shapes with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the variations in tone and texture of the building.
- step 04
Begin to build up the form of the child, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle color changes in the clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the chickens, using short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of their feathers.
- step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the texture of the ground and the small details in the child's face.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and adjust the colors as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to lighten values. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing
- →Ignoring the importance of accurate proportions
- →Failing to establish a clear light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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