plate no. 1297
Over the wall
Filippo Palizzi, 1865
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering form with light and shadow, as well as capturing realistic textures using varied brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting the human figure in a natural setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the wall, and the background elements.
- step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, the wall, the figure's dress, and the foliage.
- step 03
Start building up the values on the wall, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
- step 04
Develop the form of the figure, focusing on the folds of the dress and the anatomy.
- step 05
Add details to the foliage, varying the greens and browns to create depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure's face and hair.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the painting.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · viridian green
Achieve the sky color by mixing ultramarine blue with white, and adjust the value with small amounts of burnt umber. The dress is primarily yellow ochre, lightened with white and shaded with burnt umber. The wall is a mix of burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white, with touches of green.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the focal point.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium yellow, viridian green)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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