plate no. 3268
The blind man
Albert Bloch, 1942
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to depict light filtering through a dense forest.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figure, and rocks.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Begin layering in the darker tones of the trees and background, using a mix of browns and greens.
- step 04
Add the lighter tones to the trees, creating the effect of light filtering through the branches.
- step 05
Paint the figure, focusing on capturing the subtle details of the clothing and posture.
- step 06
Add the rocks and foliage in the foreground, paying attention to the texture and color variations.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted greens by mixing sap green with burnt umber and white. Use Payne's gray to darken the shadows and create depth.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the trees and foliage.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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