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home·artworks·Scrooge Extinguishes the First of Three Spirits
Scrooge Extinguishes the First of Three Spirits by John Leech

plate no. 2718

Scrooge Extinguishes the First of Three Spirits

John Leech

oilRomanticismillustrationfigureinteriorlightshadowclothinglamp
suitable for beginners

Recreating this image will help students practice shading techniques and create a sense of depth using a limited palette. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the outline of the figure and the main shapes of the background.

  2. step 02

    Establish the darkest areas of the image, such as the shadows under the figure and in the background.

  3. step 03

    Begin to fill in the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of the light source.

  4. step 04

    Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values and create texture.

  5. step 05

    Focus on rendering the details of the figure's face and clothing.

  6. step 06

    Add the light source emanating from the lamp, using lighter values to create a glow.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges and details, ensuring a smooth transition between values.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches to enhance the contrast and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary · gray

Varying the ratio of black to white will create different shades of gray. Use thin washes of gray to build up the values gradually.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·value shading
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Creating overly harsh lines instead of smooth transitions.
  • →Failing to establish a clear light source.
  • →Ignoring the subtle variations in value.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.

materials

surface · smooth drawing paper

required

  • ·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
  • ·Eraser
  • ·Drawing paper
  • ·Blending stump
  • ·Ruler
  • ·Kneaded eraser

optional

  • ·Charcoal pencils
  • ·Tortillon
  • ·Sandpaper block

Use a variety of pencil grades to achieve a full range of values. Experiment with different blending techniques to create smooth transitions.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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