plate no. 4850

MINE BOY

Gerard Sekoto, 1946

oilExpressionismstill lifechairbookscandletableshadowsstill life

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering form with light and shadow, and in creating a warm, muted color palette. Students will develop skills in observing and translating subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the chair, table, and objects, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the forms, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the objects, such as the books and candle, adding texture and interest.
step 06
Pay close attention to the cast shadows, adjusting their shape and value to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Blend edges where necessary to create smooth transitions between colors and values.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the warm browns. Add white to lighten values and create highlights. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·chiaroscuro
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat or muddy painting.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations within the shadows and highlights.
→Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags