plate no. 1317
Mantel Composition
George Ault, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict form through subtle value changes and how to create a balanced composition with overlapping objects. It also provides practice in rendering smooth surfaces and capturing reflected light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the objects on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of yellow ochre and raw umber.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the vases and frame with their respective colors, focusing on accurate proportions.
- step 04
Begin to build up the values on each object, starting with the darkest areas and gradually adding highlights.
- step 05
Pay close attention to the reflected light and shadows on the surfaces of the vases.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the objects and add details such as the handles and the frame.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and harmony.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature in the lower left corner.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · ivory black
Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the background. Use burnt sienna for the orange vase. Mix ultramarine blue and ivory black for the dark blue pitcher. Use white to create highlights and lighten colors.
techniques
- ·value shading
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·smooth gradients
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the objects.
- →Overly harsh or abrupt value changes.
- →Neglecting reflected light and shadows.
- →Uneven or streaky brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints: yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, titanium white, ivory black
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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