plate no. 0729
Pierre Joseph Proudhon and his children in 1853
Gustave Courbet, 1865
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and rendering complex textures like fabric and foliage. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through color and value variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Develop the values and tones, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including facial features and clothing.
- step 05
Add texture to the foliage and other background elements using various brushstrokes.
- step 06
Pay attention to the edges of objects, softening or hardening them as needed to create depth.
- step 07
Glaze layers of color to build up richness and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · Prussian blue
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, adjusting the proportions for different areas. Greens are created by mixing Prussian blue and yellow ochre, with touches of burnt umber for muted tones.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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