plate no. 2697

Man On A Bench

Horace Pippin, 1946

oil, canvasNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingfigurebenchparktreesdogleaves

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of color relationships in a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, bench, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the green grass, gray sidewalk, dark trees, and red bench.
step 03
Add the figure's clothing and skin tone, focusing on simple shapes and values.
step 04
Paint the leaves in the upper portion of the painting, using short, textured brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the bench, such as the slats and decorative elements.
step 06
Paint the small dog in the background with simple shapes and white paint.
step 07
Refine the shapes and values of the figure and background elements.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

primary · red · green · black · brown

secondary · gray · white · yellow ochre

Mix browns from burnt umber and yellow ochre. Achieve different shades of green by mixing yellow and blue with varying amounts of white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·flat color blocking
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·simplified form rendering
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, losing the textured brushstrokes.
→Making the figure too detailed compared to the background.
→Incorrect proportions of the figure or bench.
→Using too many colors and losing the simplicity of the palette.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)

Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the brushstroke visibility. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils will give a richer color.

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