plate no. 5569
Mädchen am Herd
Wilhelm Leibl, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow in an interior scene and capturing the texture of different materials with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in portraiture and figure painting within a domestic setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, fireplace, and window.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's clothing, the fireplace, and the background.
- step 04
Develop the light and shadow areas, paying attention to the direction of the light source from the window.
- step 05
Add details to the figure's face and hands, using subtle color variations.
- step 06
Refine the textures of the fireplace, clothing, and background with visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix various shades of red for the shirt by combining red ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and white. Create the dark skirt by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber. Use white to lighten the background and create highlights.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Not paying enough attention to the light source and value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not blending them properly.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints: red ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish an initial color base.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
