plate no. 1182
Mary Hill, Aged 88, Seated with Children
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior setting and understanding the use of light and shadow to create depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major elements.
- step 02
Establish the dark and light values using a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas, such as the figures' clothing, the walls, and the floor.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the fireplace and the table.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork to create texture and visual interest.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for the highlights. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the figures' clothing. Add small amounts of cadmium red light to create warmth in the skin tones and firelight.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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