plate no. 2330
The broken plate
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a realistic manner and understanding how to create depth and atmosphere using value and color. It also provides practice in rendering textures of different materials.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and the composition.
- step 02
Establish the dark background and the fireplace, focusing on the subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Develop the details of the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes and finer strokes.
- step 05
Add the details of the kitchen utensils and other objects in the scene.
- step 06
Work on the floor tiles, creating a sense of perspective and texture.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · Prussian blue
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas, and add white to create lighter tones. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red for the warm highlights on the figures and objects. Mix Prussian blue with white and umber for the cooler tones in the clothing and background.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony of the painting.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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