plate no. 2127
THE BUTCHER'S WIFE KNITTING
Émile Friant, 1878
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior space, as well as creating a sense of depth using atmospheric perspective and tonal values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, and key objects.
- step 02
Establish the dark background within the window frame using a dark neutral mix.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and surrounding objects with mid-tone values.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter values on the walls and floor to create the effect of light.
- step 05
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
- step 06
Add highlights to the objects in the foreground to enhance the sense of depth.
- step 07
Refine the details of the broom and other tools, using dry brush techniques for texture.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and adjust the overall tonal balance.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
Create a range of neutral tones by mixing the primary colors in varying proportions. Use white to lighten values and blue to cool down warm tones.
techniques
- ·tonal painting
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in value that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (rounds and flats)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
