plate no. 2411
Mother and Child
Barrington Watson, 1959
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting human figures in a realistic style, and in capturing subtle variations in skin tones and fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through careful observation of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the bed.
- step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and the bed with broad strokes of color.
- step 04
Begin to refine the forms of the figures, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and hands, capturing the expressions and gestures of the figures.
- step 06
Develop the textures of the bed linens and clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones, and add small amounts of burnt sienna for richer browns. The green dress is a mix of ivory black and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value that create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, and 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before beginning to paint.
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