plate no. 2231
Politicians in opium shop. Tashkent.
Vasily Vereshchagin, 1870
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures and patterns, as well as capturing subtle variations in skin tones and fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through the use of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
- step 04
Begin to refine the figures, focusing on the shapes and forms of the clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the faces, hands, and feet, capturing the individual characteristics of each figure.
- step 06
Work on the textures of the clothing and carpet, using a variety of brushstrokes to create visual interest.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with small amounts of blues and reds. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting lost in the complexity of the patterns and textures.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall value structure.
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