plate no. 5564
Stephen Brownlow
Ralph Hedley, 1892
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures in an interior setting, and practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value changes.
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 placement of the figures and major objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Begin to develop the figure of the artist, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
- step 05
Add details to the table and objects, such as the paint box and brushes.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
- step 07
Add the figure in the background, using softer edges and muted colors to create depth.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing earth tones with small amounts of other colors. Use white to lighten values and create subtle highlights.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base.
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