plate no. 3281
Soldier In Uniform
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabric textures, and creating atmospheric perspective within an interior scene. It also provides practice in depicting realistic lighting and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's uniform, the table, and the background, paying attention to local color.
- step 04
Begin refining the details of the face, using subtle color variations to create form and expression.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the fabric, using a combination of blending and dry brush techniques.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Refine the details of the background, including the window and the objects on the table.
- step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the overall atmosphere.
color palette
primary · red · green · brown · white
secondary · black · grey · blue · yellow
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using earth tones as a base. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and volume.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (red, green, brown, white, black, blue, yellow)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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