plate no. 3165
Over and Above #13
Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1964
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in smooth blending, subtle color transitions, and creating a focal point through careful value control. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bird's head, beak, and the rectangular form.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark, even tone.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of light gray/white to the bird's head and body, and a light lavender to the rectangle.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending to create the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the bird.
- step 05
Carefully paint the beak, paying attention to the subtle color variations and highlights.
- step 06
Add the red eyes, focusing on their shape and intensity.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring smooth transitions between values.
- step 08
Add final highlights to the bird's head and beak to enhance the sense of form.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix white with small amounts of black and blue to achieve the various shades of gray and lavender. Use red sparingly for the eyes.
techniques
- ·smooth blending
- ·value gradations
- ·color mixing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →over-blending and losing form
- →using too much paint
- →neglecting subtle color variations
- →uneven background application
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·round brushes (small and medium)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will facilitate blending.
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