plate no. 0738

Makin pancakes. Diptych

oilExpressionismgenre paintingstill lifebottlestablefoodfigureutensils

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering textures of different materials and capturing the essence of a scene with expressive brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color to create depth and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement of objects.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, tablecloth, and major objects like bottles and the figure's jacket.
step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors and highlights to add dimension and visual interest.
step 05
Develop the textures of the objects using varied brushstrokes, such as short, choppy strokes for the tablecloth and smoother strokes for the bottles.
step 06
Refine the details of the hands and utensils, focusing on accurate shapes and values.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall realism and visual impact.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.

color palette

primary · red · green · white · brown

secondary · yellow · blue · grey · ochre

Achieve the muted greens by mixing green with browns and white. Create the reds by mixing a crimson with a touch of brown or black to dull the intensity. Use white to create highlights and lighten the colors.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a clear light source, resulting in flat and unconvincing shadows.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, leading to a harsh and unnatural palette.
→Ignoring the proportions and relationships between objects, resulting in a distorted composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, green, white, brown, yellow, blue)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
·Rags or paper towels

optional

·easel
·medium gloss
·retarder

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a harmonious composition.

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