plate no. 2652

Mask and Mandolin

Bela Czobel, 1928

oilPost-Impressionismstill lifestill lifemandolinmaskwindowpitchertable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in observing and representing a variety of objects with different shapes and surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the objects on the canvas, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for each object and the background, using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, adding more detail and refining the shapes and colors.
step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture and add interest to the painting.
step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow on the objects, and use these to create depth and form.
step 06
Add the final details, such as the strings on the mandolin and the features on the mask.
step 07
Step back and evaluate the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and composition.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the warm browns of the mandolin and table. Use ultramarine blue and white for the window and shadows. Add small amounts of alizarin crimson to warm up the browns and yellows.

techniques

·dry brushing
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Not paying enough attention to the values, which can make the painting look flat.
→Getting bogged down in details too early, before establishing the basic shapes and colors.
→Using too much paint, which can make the painting look heavy and overworked.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·palette
·assorted brushes
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
·rags

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·varnish

A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended. Use good quality brushes for best results. Consider using a painting medium to improve the flow and blending of the paint.

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