plate no. 5334
Red Comunion (The Red Kimono)
Joseph DeCamp, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing light and shadow, and rendering textures of fabric and glass. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, and birdcage.
- step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, paying attention to the light coming through the window.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using simplified forms and colors.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, focusing on the play of light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the birdcage and flowers, paying attention to their textures and shapes.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · red · white · brown · grey
secondary · blue · green · yellow
Achieve the subtle variations in skin tone by mixing white, red, and brown. Use thin washes of color to create the atmospheric background.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints (red, white, brown, grey, blue, green, yellow)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to.
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