plate no. 5894
The absinthe drinker
Albrecht Anker, 1907
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: figure, table, and background.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of brown, gradually building up darker areas.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's clothing, using a limited palette of browns and creams.
- step 04
Begin working on the face, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the hands and other elements, such as the glass and bag, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding subtle details to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing to enhance realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and a touch of payne's gray to create subtle variations in the clothing.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·value studies
- ·underpainting
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 skin tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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