plate no. 7787
Motherhood
Carlos Schwabe, 1920
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow on complex forms and mixing subtle color variations to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures, such as stone and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, the doorway, and the steps.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the drapery and the features of the face.
- step 05
Add texture to the stone walls and steps using broken brushstrokes and varying the thickness of the paint.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, making sure to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the highlights on the figure and the shadows on the steps.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust values.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · sap green · cadmium yellow
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and white to create the warm tones of the figure's robe. Add small amounts of green and blue to the grays to create a cool, atmospheric effect.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Not paying enough attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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