plate no. 1362
On The Terrace
Julius LeBlanc Stewart, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering fabric textures, creating atmospheric perspective, and capturing the subtleties of light and shadow on a figure.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, balcony, and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the main value structure with a thin wash of neutral colors.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the background and moving towards the foreground.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figure's dress, paying attention to the folds and patterns.
- step 05
Refine the details of the balcony and surrounding foliage.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the overall tone and mood.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering fabric
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Not creating enough depth in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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