plate no. 8057
Sleeping Figure
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering fabric folds and capturing the subtle gradations of light and shadow on skin. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of the couch and pillows.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the local colors of the drapery, skin, and background, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Develop the folds and highlights in the drapery, paying attention to how the light interacts with the fabric.
- step 05
Refine the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create a sense of form and volume.
- step 06
Add details to the face, hands, and feet, being careful not to overwork them.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · cadmium red light
Mix yellow ochre and white for the lighter areas of the drapery. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for the darker shadows. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to the shadows to cool them down.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin and drapery.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints: yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw umber, cadmium red light
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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