
plate no. 2092
David Wilkie, 1820
Recreating this painting will help students understand value relationships and how to create depth using light and shadow. It also provides practice in rendering figures and interior spaces with a limited palette.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Create a light sketch outlining the composition and major shapes.
Establish the darkest values first, focusing on areas in shadow.
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
Add highlights to create contrast and define forms.
Refine details such as facial features and textures.
Use cross-hatching and stippling to create subtle variations in tone.
Check the overall balance of values and adjust as needed.
Add final touches to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber
Mix varying ratios of black and white to achieve a full range of grays. Use raw umber for subtle warm tones in the shadows.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a light gray wash before starting.
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