plate no. 9706
Market Scene
Pieter Aertsen, 1550
advanced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering complex scenes with many figures and objects, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to depict realistic textures and lighting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes and composition.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes first.
- step 04
Start adding details to the figures and objects, working from background to foreground.
- step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow to create depth and form.
- step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the tones and values.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · red ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with raw sienna and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and atmospheric effects. Mix red ochre with burnt umber to create the red tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·rendering textures
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·red ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can be helpful.
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