plate no. 0796
The Bear
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing atmospheric perspective and creating a soft, dreamlike quality. Students can learn to blend colors to create depth and use subtle variations in tone to suggest form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the bear, child, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the background by layering washes of blue and gray for the sky and lake, creating a sense of distance.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the grass and trees, using darker greens and browns in the foreground and lighter shades in the background.
- step 04
Paint the bear using a mix of browns and oranges, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 05
Add the child, focusing on the simple shapes of her dress and hat.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees, grass, and bear's fur, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · alizarin crimson
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber with white to create the various shades of gray and blue in the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and sap green to create the greens for the grass and trees. Mix burnt umber with alizarin crimson and yellow ochre to achieve the bear's fur color.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the soft, dreamlike quality.
- →Using too much contrast and creating a harsh, unrealistic effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the bear and child.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting varnish
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. If using acrylics, work quickly and use a retarder to prevent the paint from drying too fast.
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