plate no. 8249
Playtime
George Elgar Hicks, 1866
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing figures in dynamic poses and using loose brushwork to suggest form and texture. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the overall structure of the room.
- step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber and raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses of the figures and the furniture, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the mother and child.
- step 05
Add the details of the interior, such as the fireplace, window, and plant, using loose brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final touches and details, such as the texture of the fabric and the details of the plant.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre to warm up the colors and create subtle variations.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly quality of the original.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations and nuances in the original painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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