plate no. 7210
Spanish Peasants
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement. It also provides an opportunity to explore limited color palettes and expressive mark-making.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the figures and basket.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figures, and basket using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of color, focusing on the darker values first.
- step 04
Add details to the faces and clothing, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the basket of goods, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the figures and objects.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
- step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix burnt umber and white for the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the blue shirt. Mix yellow ochre with white for the highlights on the basket contents.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough, making the painting look cluttered.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·flat brush (#6)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or odorless thinner
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending time.
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