plate no. 0111
Mural
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and how to use value to create depth and volume. It will also help them practice rendering figures and drapery.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the figures and the background with light and dark values.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and add details to the faces and clothing.
- step 04
Develop the value structure, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and volume.
- step 05
Pay attention to the drapery and how it folds and drapes over the figures.
- step 06
Add subtle variations in value to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of clarity.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · gray · white · black
secondary · light gray · dark gray
Achieve different shades of gray by mixing black and white in varying proportions. Use thin washes of gray to build up the values gradually.
techniques
- ·value study
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·grisaille
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →getting lost in details too early
- →not establishing a strong value structure
- →making the figures look flat
- →ignoring the drapery
materials
surface · drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·eraser
- ·drawing paper
- ·blending stump
- ·ruler
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·charcoal pencils
- ·toned paper
- ·fixative spray
Use a smooth drawing paper for best results. Toned paper can help to establish the mid-tones more quickly.
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