plate no. 3370
Prodavač hraček
Josef Capek, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn to create depth and form through careful value gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, bird, and window on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with a mix of blues and whites, creating a slightly textured effect.
- step 03
Establish the main value areas on the face and hands using a light beige or off-white.
- step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face and hands to define the geometric forms.
- step 05
Paint the hat using browns and umbers, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Paint the blue bird, using a bright blue and adding highlights and shadows to give it form.
- step 07
Add the dark clothing and window details, using blacks and grays.
- step 08
Refine the details and edges, adjusting values as needed to create a cohesive composition.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · black
secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the skin tones. Use varying amounts of white to create highlights and shadows. Mix blue and white for the background, and umber with black for the clothing.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·value gradation
- ·geometric simplification
- ·limited palette
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive feel.
- →Not paying attention to the value gradations, resulting in a flat image.
- →Making the brushstrokes too smooth and losing the expressive texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·black oil paint
- ·#4 flat brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium linseed
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Oil paints are recommended, but acrylics can be used as well.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor