plate no. 1993
McSorley's Bar
John French Sloan, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a dimly lit environment. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using value and color temperature.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas with a thin wash of burnt umber and raw sienna.
- step 03
Begin to build up the mid-tones, focusing on the floor and the bar area.
- step 04
Introduce the lighter values on the figures and the background details, such as the portraits and lights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the painting and adjust the color temperature.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with small amounts of ultramarine blue. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create the warm highlights on the floor and figures.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better paint adhesion and blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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