plate no. 1976
Our boy
Carl von Bergen, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures and values using a limited palette. It also provides practice in depicting figures and interior spaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the major shapes and areas of light and shadow using a mid-tone gray.
- step 03
Gradually build up the darker values, paying attention to the textures of the clothing and furniture.
- step 04
Add highlights to create contrast and define the forms.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures' faces and hands.
- step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the pictures and objects on the shelf.
- step 07
Check the overall balance of values and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white in different proportions. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to create warmer or cooler tones.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →losing the overall value structure
- →creating muddy colors
- →inaccurate proportions
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate detailed rendering.
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