plate no. 5378
Nude and Dummy
Alex Colville, 1950
experienced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering subtle skin tones and understanding form through light and shadow. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and perspective within an interior space.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure, mannequin, and window.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the walls, floor, and sky.
- step 03
Begin to refine the shapes of the figure and mannequin, focusing on accurate proportions.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones of the figure, using subtle variations in color to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the mannequin, including the texture and subtle highlights.
- step 06
Paint the view outside the window, including the pyramid and sky.
- step 07
Refine the details of the interior, such as the floorboards and window frame.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · pale blue · ochre · raw umber
secondary · titanium white · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones by blending ochre, raw umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of red or yellow for warmth. Achieve the wall color by mixing pale blue with white and a touch of grey.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure and mannequin.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value that create depth.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use high-quality paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve blending.
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