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home·artworks·Nude with Arch
Nude with Arch by Alex Colville

plate no. 5200

Nude with Arch

Alex Colville

oilContemporary Realismnude painting (nu)figurenudewindowinteriorcushionarch
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, understanding form through color and texture, and creating a sense of depth using a limited palette. The visible brushstrokes technique is key to capturing the painting's unique style.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, cushion, window, and arch, focusing on proportions and composition.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background colors, blocking in the blue of the window and the reddish-brown of the surrounding wall.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering colors on the figure, starting with a base tone and adding highlights and shadows using short, visible brushstrokes.

  4. step 04

    Work on the cushion, using a mix of greens and whites to create texture and volume with similar brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Define the window frame and arch, paying attention to the light and shadow to create depth.

  6. step 06

    Refine the details of the figure, focusing on the face and hands.

  7. step 07

    Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

  8. step 08

    Allow to dry and apply a varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · flesh tone (mix of white, red, yellow) · cobalt blue · viridian green

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

Achieve the flesh tones by mixing white, red, and yellow, adjusting the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Mix greens and whites for the cushion, and use burnt sienna and white for the surrounding wall.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brush texture
  • ·color layering
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Over-blending the colors, which will lose the texture of the brushstrokes.
  • →Incorrect proportions in the figure drawing.
  • →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
  • →Not capturing the subtle color variations in the skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
  • ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
  • ·pencil

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·rags

Use good quality paints for best results. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the brushstroke effect.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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