plate no. 8639

Seventy Years Ago

watercolor, gouache, paperRealismgenre paintingfigureinteriorchairknittingspinning wheelcarpet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and drapery, as well as creating atmospheric perspective through subtle color variations and soft edges. Students will also learn to depict textures using various brushwork techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darkest and lightest areas.
step 03
Begin layering in the background, using diluted washes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Focus on the figure, building up the form with layers of color and value, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, face, and hands, using smaller brushes and more concentrated pigments.
step 06
Render the spinning wheel and other objects in the background, simplifying details and softening edges.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the contrast and adding highlights.
step 08
Add final details and touches, such as the knitting needles and the texture of the carpet.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a range of browns and grays.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·glazing
·scumbling
·wet-on-dry layering
·soft edges

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can clash with the overall muted palette.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, which can make the painting look flat and confusing.
→Ignoring the importance of soft edges, which can create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·gouache paints
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·palette knife
·masking fluid
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper that can withstand multiple layers of washes. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.

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