plate no. 4594
The Alchemist
Carl Spitzweg, 1860
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create a focal point using light and shadow, and how to depict textures with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in rendering a realistic human figure in a dimly lit environment.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the orb.
- step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, table, and other objects with mid-tone browns and grays.
- step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the orb and the figure's face, using lighter shades of the base colors.
- step 05
Add details to the figure's clothing and facial features, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
- step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add the small details like the reflections in the orb and the texture of the walls.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · Prussian blue · cadmium red
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and Prussian blue to create subtle variations in the shadows. Add cadmium red to the cheeks and nose of the figure.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Making the highlights too bright and unnatural.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to allow for fine details. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the dark background tones.
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