plate no. 9343

Ouvirers

oil, panelRealismgenre paintingfiguresmenhatscityscapesmokingstreet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing figures with loose brushstrokes and understanding how to create depth with limited color variations. It also provides experience in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures on the panel.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre and raw umber.
step 03
Block in the dark values of the figures, focusing on the man in the foreground.
step 04
Add mid-tones to the faces and clothing, using a mix of burnt sienna, raw umber, and white.
step 05
Define the details of the faces and hats with small, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the figures and background to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the figures, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 08
Add final details like the pipe and the suggestion of buildings in the background.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light

Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the background and lighter skin tones. Use burnt sienna and a touch of red for warmer skin tones. Add ivory black to raw umber for the darkest values.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·limited palette
·alla prima
·blocking in

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
→Failing to simplify the background and create a sense of depth.

materials

surface · smooth wood panel

required

·oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, titanium white)
·small panel (8x10 or 9x12)
·assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-6)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags