plate no. 3088

Rosie

Will Barnet, 1936

lithography, paperSocial Realismportraitfigureportraitchairgirldressinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this lithograph helps students develop skills in tonal shading, cross-hatching, and creating depth through value variations. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying emotion through facial expression.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the composition, such as the eyes and shadows under the chair.
step 03
Begin building up the mid-tones using cross-hatching and stippling techniques.
step 04
Pay close attention to the direction of the hatching to define the form of the figure and the folds of the dress.
step 05
Gradually add lighter tones to create highlights and round out the forms.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Adjust the overall value range to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and clean up any stray marks.

color palette

primary · black · white · gray

secondary ·

Varying the pressure and density of marks creates different shades of gray.

techniques

·cross-hatching
·stippling
·tonal shading
·hatching
·blending

common pitfalls

→Applying too much pressure too early, resulting in a flat, undifferentiated tone.
→Failing to vary the direction of the hatching, which can flatten the form.
→Neglecting to create a full range of values, resulting in a lack of depth.
→Overworking the drawing, which can make it look muddy and lifeless.