plate no. 1748

Man in a Storm

Alfred Kubin, 1903

oilSymbolismsymbolic paintingfigurestormlandscapeshadowrockswind

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal shading, creating dynamic movement, and using value to create a dramatic atmosphere. It will also help them understand how to convey emotion through composition and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of the rock formation.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting, such as the storm clouds and the shadows cast by the figure and rocks.
step 03
Begin to build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
step 04
Add texture to the rocks and ground using short, broken strokes.
step 05
Refine the figure's form, paying attention to anatomy and the way light falls on the body.
step 06
Create a sense of movement by using directional strokes to suggest wind and the figure's forward motion.
step 07
Add final details, such as highlights and subtle variations in tone.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · sepia · ivory black

secondary · raw umber · payne's gray

Use varying ratios of sepia and ivory black to create a range of tonal values. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to create subtle color variations.

techniques

·tonal shading
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·directional strokes
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the sense of spontaneity.
→Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
→Creating a static composition.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·sepia ink
·ivory black ink
·watercolor paper
·round brushes (various sizes)
·drawing board
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·kneaded eraser
·ruler
·palette for mixing

Experiment with different types of watercolor paper to find one that suits your style. Use a light touch when applying the ink to avoid overworking the paper.

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