plate no. 1072
Shaping of Black America
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal painting, portraiture, and creating depth using value. It also provides practice in rendering realistic figures and drapery.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and the star background, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values with a thin wash of burnt umber, focusing on shadows and areas of contrast.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones using diluted washes of burnt umber, layering to create depth.
- step 04
Refine the facial features and details of the figures, using smaller brushes and more concentrated pigment.
- step 05
Add subtle highlights to the figures and background to enhance the sense of form and light.
- step 06
Define the edges of the figures and stars, softening some areas to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Pay attention to the drapery folds and textures, using dry brush techniques to add detail.
- step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to values and details.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · ivory black
Achieve the various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with varying amounts of white or raw umber. Use black sparingly to deepen shadows.
techniques
- ·tonal painting
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·portraiture
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
- →Not paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
- →Using too much black, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the initial stages.
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