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home·artworks·Snitchey and Craggs
Snitchey and Craggs by John Leech

plate no. 5631

Snitchey and Craggs

John Leech

oilRomanticismillustrationinteriorfiguresdeskclockfurnitureclothing
some experience helpful

Recreating this image will help students practice rendering figures in different poses and using hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal variations and suggest form.

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

    Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of figures and objects.

  2. step 02

    Refine the sketch, adding details to the faces, clothing, and furniture.

  3. step 03

    Start adding the darkest values using hatching and cross-hatching techniques.

  4. step 04

    Gradually build up the mid-tones, varying the density and direction of the lines.

  5. step 05

    Pay close attention to the light source and how it affects the shadows and highlights.

  6. step 06

    Add finer details to the faces and clothing, such as wrinkles and textures.

  7. step 07

    Refine the background elements, adding details to the walls, clock, and other objects.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a cohesive and balanced image.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary · gray

Varying the density of lines creates shades of gray.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·line weight variation
  • ·rendering form with value
  • ·creating depth with perspective

common pitfalls

  • →uneven line distribution
  • →lack of value contrast
  • →inaccurate proportions
  • →overworking details

materials

surface · smooth paper

required

  • ·smooth paper
  • ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
  • ·eraser
  • ·ruler
  • ·pencil sharpener
  • ·kneaded eraser

optional

  • ·tortillon
  • ·blending stump
  • ·fine liner pens

Use a variety of pencils to achieve a full range of values. A kneaded eraser is helpful for lifting graphite without damaging the paper.

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