plate no. 1540
Mrs. Martelli in Castiglioncello
Giovanni Fattori, 1870
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within a landscape and capturing the essence of a figure in a relaxed pose. It also provides practice in creating depth using atmospheric perspective and varying brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, ground, and foliage.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the tree trunks and the figure's hair and clothing.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figure, focusing on the face and hands.
- step 05
Develop the foliage by layering different shades of green and brown.
- step 06
Add highlights to the ground and trees to create a sense of light.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches, such as small details in the background.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · Prussian blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ivory black
Mix the greens by combining Prussian blue, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Vary the browns by adjusting the ratio of burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating colors that are too saturated or intense.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·Prussian blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for a variety of brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color palette.
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