plate no. 0734
Meditation
Leon Bonnat, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to use light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic figure proportions and placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the figure, clothing, and background using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the shadows and highlights on the face and figure.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the folds and textures of the fabric.
- step 06
Work on the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figure and background.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of depth.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in skin tones and shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to establish a strong light source.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying close enough attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can help to create a warm undertone.
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