plate no. 9934
Siberian Fairy Tale
Alfred Kubin, 1902
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal shading, creating depth through value, and rendering figures in a surreal landscape. It's a good exercise in understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a focal point through contrast.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, landscape, and smaller figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the placement of the trees in the background.
- step 03
Begin shading the figure with light pencil strokes, focusing on the light source above the head.
- step 04
Gradually build up darker values in the shadows of the figure and the landscape.
- step 05
Add details to the face and hands, paying attention to the expression and gesture.
- step 06
Render the smaller figures in the foreground, using darker values to create contrast.
- step 07
Create a sense of depth by using lighter values for objects in the distance.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and add any final details.
color palette
primary · graphite gray · white
secondary · light gray · dark gray
This is a monochromatic drawing, so focus on achieving different shades of gray through varying pressure and layering of graphite.
techniques
- ·tonal shading
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the subtle tonal variations.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
- →Making the smaller figures too detailed and distracting from the main subject.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·drawing paper
- ·eraser
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·blending stump
- ·ruler
optional
- ·tortillon
- ·sandpaper block
- ·fixative spray
Use a variety of graphite pencils to achieve a full range of values. A kneaded eraser is useful for lifting graphite and creating highlights.
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