plate no. 4170
Maternity
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in depicting human figures with accurate proportions and capturing atmospheric perspective in a landscape. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the path.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes with thin washes of color, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background foliage, using broken color and varied brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 04
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery folds.
- step 05
Add details to the face and hands, capturing the expression and gesture.
- step 06
Define the path with subtle variations in color and value.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the painting and adjust the color harmony.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use raw umber and white for the figures' skin tones, adding small amounts of burnt sienna for warmth.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Using too much pure color and creating a garish effect.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
- →Failing to accurately represent the human form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for a slightly textured surface. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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