plate no. 5128
The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus or The Alchemist in Search of the Philosophers Stone
Joseph Wright, 1771
experienced study
This painting is a great exercise in capturing dramatic lighting and rendering complex forms in low light conditions. Students will learn to create depth and atmosphere using a limited palette and careful value control.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and figures.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light, focusing on the alchemist and the glowing flask.
- step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures and objects, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of luminosity.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Achieve the warm glow by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of cadmium yellow and white. Use burnt umber and ivory black for shadows, adding touches of raw sienna for warmth. Mix alizarin crimson into browns for subtle reds in the robes.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Overworking the details before establishing the overall composition.
- →Using too much color, which can detract from the dramatic lighting.
- →Losing the sense of atmosphere by over-blending.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·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
- ·retouch varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending and glazing. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall value structure.
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