plate no. 5042
Negocieri
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing figures with loose brushstrokes and simplified forms. Students can learn to mix skin tones and create depth through value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the couch.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: skin tones, black suit, red couch, and background.
- step 03
Begin to define the light and shadow on the figures, paying attention to the form.
- step 04
Add details to the face, clothing, and background, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the edges and blend some areas to create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create contrast.
- step 07
Check proportions and adjust as needed.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt sienna · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green
Mix skin tones using white, sienna, and a touch of red. Achieve the black suit with black and a hint of blue. The red couch is a mix of red and sienna.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures
- →Muddy skin tones
- →Ignoring the light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils offer more blending time.
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