plate no. 4963
Mesa de Courbet
Carlos Alonso, 1978
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing the likeness of a person and arranging a complex still life composition with a limited color palette. It also encourages exploration of expressive brushwork to convey texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and still life elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of grays, browns, and greens.
- step 03
Gradually build up the details of the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add the colors of the fruit and other objects on the table, focusing on capturing their textures and forms.
- step 05
Develop the background, using loose brushstrokes to create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure's clothing and hands.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · gray · brown · green · white
secondary · yellow · red · ochre
Achieve the various grays by mixing white with small amounts of black, brown, and blue. Use ochre and yellow to create the fruit tones.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 24x24
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Rags or paper towels
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
- ·Reference photos
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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