plate no. 8555
Men in a Ditch
Will Barnet, 1936
some experience helpful
Recreating this lithograph helps students practice value shading and creating texture with line work. It also develops skills in depicting figures in a landscape and conveying a sense of atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the composition, such as the shadows within the ditch and the smoke in the background.
- step 03
Begin adding mid-tones using hatching and cross-hatching techniques to define the forms of the figures and the landscape.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to the folds in their clothing and their facial features.
- step 05
Add texture to the landscape using a variety of line weights and directions.
- step 06
Refine the values and details, ensuring that the darkest areas are deep and the lightest areas are bright.
- step 07
Add the industrial elements in the background, such as the buildings and smoke stacks.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the overall effect is balanced.
color palette
primary · black · white
secondary · gray
Varying the pressure and density of graphite or charcoal creates different shades of gray.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·value shading
- ·line weight variation
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a clear value range, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
- →Overworking the details, leading to a cluttered and confusing composition.
- →Ignoring the importance of line weight, resulting in a lack of depth and dimension.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures, resulting in an unrealistic depiction.
materials
surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
required
- ·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·Eraser
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Charcoal pencils
- ·Fixative spray
Experiment with different types of drawing paper to find one that suits your style. Use a kneaded eraser to lift graphite from the paper and create highlights.
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