plate no. 1412
Playing Dogs
Franz Marc, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color expressively and simplify forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in layering colors and creating dynamic compositions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the dogs and landscape elements using light pencil lines.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thinned paint or washes, focusing on the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Layer in darker values to define the forms of the dogs and create contrast.
- step 04
Add highlights and lighter values to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the dogs and landscape elements, paying attention to the expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details such as the eyes and markings on the dogs.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 08
Allow to dry and add a final coat of varnish (optional).
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · black
secondary · green · orange · white
Mix greens from blue and yellow, oranges from red and yellow. Use black sparingly to create shadows and define forms. White can be used to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color layering
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·simplified forms
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the dogs wrong.
- →Using too much black and making the painting look muddy.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Ignoring the color relationships and creating a disjointed composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·varnish
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use good quality paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve flow.
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