plate no. 0508
Mural Studio at the RCA
John Bratby, 1954
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing the atmosphere of a cluttered space. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with thin washes of neutral colors, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 03
Begin applying thicker paint with visible brushstrokes, building up the forms and textures.
- step 04
Mix and apply the local colors of the figures and objects, using a limited palette.
- step 05
Add details and highlights to create depth and interest, focusing on the focal points.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours, softening or sharpening them as needed.
- step 07
Add final touches and adjustments to balance the composition and enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary corrections.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and umber. Use small amounts of blue and red to create variations in the shadows and highlights.
techniques
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not capturing the energy and spontaneity of the original painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, raw umber, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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