plate no. 7446
School of XVII Century
Andrei Ryabushkin, 1903
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darkest and lightest areas with diluted paint.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including clothing, faces, and hands.
- step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the furniture, books, and architectural features.
- step 06
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the wooden surfaces and clothing.
- step 07
Adjust the values and details as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve the various gray tones by mixing black and white in different ratios. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm up the grays as needed.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·grisaille underpainting
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much black, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black gouache
- ·titanium white gouache
- ·raw umber gouache
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Using a toned canvas (light gray or raw umber) can help establish the value structure more quickly.
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