plate no. 9783
Pomona
Wilhelm Trübner, 1898
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and brushwork. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow on a complex form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with dark greens and browns, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Start layering in the skin tones, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
- step 04
Mix and apply the warm and cool tones to create the illusion of form.
- step 05
Define the details of the face, hands, and feet.
- step 06
Add the plate and its reflection on the figure.
- step 07
Refine the background and foreground details, adding texture and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and cadmium red. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark shadows. Add viridian green to the skin tones in areas of reflected light from the background.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
- →Losing the sense of depth in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish the initial value structure.
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