plate no. 7095
Otoño
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending chalk pastels to create soft transitions and layering colors to achieve depth and atmosphere. It will also provide practice in depicting the human figure in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main elements: figure, tree, horizon line, and sun.
- step 02
Block in the background sky and water with broad strokes of orange, yellow, and brown.
- step 03
Establish the basic skin tones of the figure using light brown, peach, and pink pastels.
- step 04
Add darker values to the tree trunk and branches using brown and black pastels.
- step 05
Define the figure's form with shadows and highlights, paying attention to the light source.
- step 06
Layer in the details of the hair, eyes, and mouth.
- step 07
Add the falling leaves using various shades of brown and yellow.
- step 08
Blend and soften edges to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · orange · brown · yellow · white
secondary · black · blue · peach
Mix orange and brown to create the sunset hues. Use white to lighten the skin tones and create highlights. Mix blue and white for the cloth.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·hatching
- ·softening edges
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Not establishing a clear light source, leading to inconsistent shadows.
- →Ignoring the proportions of the figure.
- →Using too much pressure, making the colors appear flat.
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·assorted chalk pastels
- ·pastel paper
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·blending stumps
- ·fixative spray
- ·soft cloth
optional
- ·workable fixative
- ·pastel pencils
- ·palette knife
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to grip the pastel. Use workable fixative sparingly to prevent over-saturation.
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