plate no. 1789

The Book Worm

Carl Spitzweg, 1850

oil, canvasBiedermeiergenre paintingbookslibraryfigureladderinteriorbookshelves

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, ladder, and bookshelves.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and colors of the figure, ladder, and bookshelves, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figure, focusing on the face and clothing.
step 05
Develop the texture of the books and bookshelves, using a variety of brushstrokes and colors.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights and deepening the dark areas.
step 07
Add final details, such as the titles on the books and the texture of the ladder.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing earth tones with small amounts of red, yellow, and blue. Use white to lighten the values and create highlights.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details of the books too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife