plate no. 2678
Police raid
George Pemba, 1981
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior space and understanding how to use color temperature to create depth and mood. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and reflective surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the background colors and values, working from dark to light.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to proportions.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the faces and clothing, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the table and objects on it, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 06
Add details to the background, such as the window and the painting on the wall.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and ochre for the walls and floor. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and white for the woman's shirt, and add a touch of blue to create cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·palette paper
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints dry faster, while oil paints allow for more blending time.
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