plate no. 9065

The Blind Hurdy Gurdy Player

oil, canvasTenebrismgenre paintingfiguremanmusical instrumenthurdy gurdybeardclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to model forms using light and shadow. It will also develop skills in rendering textures and details in a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the instrument's placement.
step 02
Establish the dark background and general areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's clothing, skin, and the hurdy-gurdy.
step 04
Begin building up the highlights and shadows, layering paint to create depth and volume.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and instrument, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 06
Add the highlights and details on the instrument.
step 07
Soften edges and blend transitions between light and shadow to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light · red oxide

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining umber, black, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow light to create the warm tones of the instrument. Red oxide can be used to add warmth to the skin tones.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·underpainting
·blending

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Over-blending, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Getting lost in details before establishing the overall form.
→Not paying attention to the subtle color variations within the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, red oxide)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags